VANDERHOOF – The BC Wildfire Service will be supporting the Saik’uz First Nation in conducting a prescribed burn project covering 69.3 hectares, across 16 units, in the communities of Stoney Creek and Laketown.
Smoke may be visible from Stoney Creek, Laketown, Vanderhoof and surrounding areas, and to motorists travelling along Highway 16.
The exact timing of the burns will depend on weather and site conditions, but the project could begin as early as May 6. 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:
- returning a natural and necessary process to the land base
- reducing build-up of dead and combustible material
- improving rangeland for ungulates
- removing forest fuels to reduce the long-term risk of wildfire
- cross-training between the BC Wildfire Service and Saik’uz First Nation staff
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 Cultural and Prescribed Fire through our website or by visiting PrescribedFire.ca.
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 download the BC Wildfire App.
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Contact:
Fire Information Officer
Prince George Fire Centre
BC Wildfire Service
250-561-4629
BCWS.PGFCInformationOfficer@gov.bc.ca