WILLIAMS LAKE – The BC Wildfire Service, in collaboration with Recreation Sites and Trails BC, is planning a series of four prescribed burns at Chimney Lake and Felker Lake recreation sites to help reduce the threat of wildfires.
When and where
- Burning is expected to begin as early as Tuesday, March 31 and may continue periodically until Monday April 6
- The prescribed burns will take place on approximately nine hectares of land at the Chimney and Felker Lake recreation sites
- Ignitions will only proceed if conditions are safe, with favorable weather and atmospheric venting allowing smoke to clear quickly
What to expect
- Smoke and flames will be visible to the Chimney and Felker Lake communities and to motorists on Chimney Lake Road
- Crews will ignite ground fuels to remove combustible materials and mimic a naturally occurring wildland fire
- Signage will be posted along Chimney Lake Road and access into the recreation sites will be restricted for the duration of the burn
- Firefighters will closely monitor the fire activity at all times during the burn
- Personnel will remain on-site into the evening to ensure the perimeter of the fire is fully extinguished at the end of each day and will only leave once there is no risk of the fire spreading
Smoke from within the perimeter of the burn may be visible up to 72 hours after ignition.
| These YouTube videos explain the benefits of prescribed burning and showcase the process and some of the work that goes into planning Prescribed Burns. The BCWS YouTube channel is an excellent resource to watch videos on wildfire and prevention in the province. |
Objectives of this prescribed burn
- Reduce wildfire risk to the Chimney and Felker Lakes communities and surrounding area
- Use fire to restore forest health to encourage a properly functioning ecosystem
- Strengthen collaboration between Recreation Sites and Trails BC and the Cariboo Fire Centre to grow capacity and knowledge for cultural and prescribed burning outside of emergency response situations
Minimizing health impacts from smoke
Exposure to smoke from wildfires or prescribed burning can irritate eyes and respiratory tracts and worsen pre-existing lung and heart conditions. If your area is impacted by smoke:
- Manage pre-existing conditions and seek medical care if you have severe symptoms.
- Reduce the length and intensity of outdoor activities.
- Run portable air cleaners with windows and doors closed. Both commercial and home-made units (https://rb.gy/90uh5s) can be effective if operated properly.
Learn about protecting your health from smoke online: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/wildfire-smoke
Learn more
Fire is a natural process in many of B.C.’s ecosystems. The BC Wildfire Service works regularly with land managers to undertake fuel management activities, including the use of prescribed burns, to help reduce the severity of future wildfires and related threats to communities.
Learn more about prescribed burning online at prescribedfire.ca or find more resources here.
Reporting
- To report an unattended campfire or open burning violation calling call the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.
- To report illegal fires in a local fire department’s jurisdiction, call 9-1-1.
- Dial *5555 on a cell phone or call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free to report a wildfire.
- Use the Report function in the BC Wildfire App to report a wildfire. Reporting though the app lets you upload images and can be used without service.
Stay in the know
For the latest information on current wildfire activity, prohibitions and restrictions, road closures, and air-quality advisories please visit BCWildfire.ca, the BC Wildfire Map, or use the BC Wildfire app.
Follow the latest wildfire news on:
Contact
Fire Information Officer
Cariboo Fire Centre | BC Wildfire Service
778-799-2100
CaFCInfo@gov.bc.ca
Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect