WILLIAMS LAKE – Recreation Sites and Trails BC, with support from the BC Wildfire Service, is planning a series of four prescribed burns at Chimney Lake and Felker Lake recreation sites to help reduce the threat of wildfires.

The burns will cover a total of nine hectares at the Chimney and Felker Lake recreation sites. Burning may begin as early as Thursday, April 3, 2025, and continue periodically until Friday, April 18, 2025. Ignitions will only proceed if weather and site conditions are suitable and allow for quick smoke dissipation.

Smoke and flames will be visible to the Chimney and Felker Lake communities and to motorists on Chimney Lake Road. Signage will be posted along Chimney Lake Road and access into the recreation sites will be restricted for the duration of the burn. Crews will ignite ground fuels with hand torches and will control and closely monitor fire activity. Smoke from within the perimeter of the burn may be visible up to 48 hours after ignition.

These burns are an annual project to reduce wildfire hazards at recreation sites by using fire to remove grass and fine fuels.

Minimizing health impacts from smoke:

Exposure to smoke 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 can be effective if operated properly

Learn more about protecting health from smoke online.

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.

Report a wildfire:

To report a wildfire, dial *5555 on a cell phone or call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free. To report an unattended campfire or open burning violation, call the RAPP line on 1 877 952-7277.

You can also use the Report function in the BC Wildfire App to report a wildfire. Reporting though the app let’s you upload images and can be used without service.

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:

• Facebook
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• YouTube
• BC Wildfire App: available for Apple and Android

Contact:

Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect.