BULL RIVER – The BC Wildfire Service will be supporting the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship in conducting a prescribed burn covering up to seven hectares in the Bull River area of the Southeast Fire Centre, on the Red Barn conservation land about 0.5 kilometres north of Bull River.
Smoke may be visible from Bull River and surrounding areas, and to motorists travelling along Wardner Fort Steele Road and Highway 93.
The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions, but it could begin as early as September 15, 2025. Burning will proceed if conditions are suitable and allow for smoke dispersal during burn operations, though smoke may also linger in the following days.
Key goals of this prescribed burn include:
- Helping to restore ecosystem health and wildlife forage
- Removing forest fuels to reduce the long-term risk of wildfire
- Providing cross-training opportunities for the expanded use of prescribed fire as a tool for wildfire risk reduction and stewardship
This project will be implemented by Kootenay ʔa·kinq̓uku TREX participants. Kootenay ʔa·kinq̓uku TREX is a prescribed fire training exchange co-hosted by ʔaq̓am, a Ktunaxa Nation community, and the BC Wildfire Service, with support from the First Nations’ Emergency Services Society.
Safety is always our top priority and participants in this training exchange will be working under the supervision of experienced BC Wildfire Service staff and with guidance from local partners and project proponents.
Fire is a normal and natural process in many of B.C.’s ecosystems.
The BC Wildfire Service works regularly with a range of partners to undertake fuel management activities (including the use of controlled burns), to help reduce the severity of future wildfires and related threats to communities. These projects are carefully planned and only go ahead at the right times and under the right conditions to ensure community and practitioner safety.
Learn more about prescribed burning online at prescribedfire.ca.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire, or open burning violation, dial *5555 on a cell phone or call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free. You can also report a wildfire using the BC Wildfire App Report a fire function. Reporting through the app lets you upload images and can be used without service.
Stay up to date with the latest wildfire news on:
- BCWildfire.ca
- Facebook and Instagram
- BC Wildfire Map
- BC Wildfire App: available for Apple and Android
Contact:
BC Wildfire Service
Fire Information Officer
778-587-0661
Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
Senior Habitat Biologist
250-420-6281
Habitat Biologist
250-420-6323
Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect