WILLIAMS LAKE – The BC Wildfire Service, in partnership with Williams Lake Community Forest and Williams Lake First Nation, will conduct a prescribed burn approximately 10 kilometres west of Williams Lake, north of Highway 20, beside the Fraser River.
When and where
- Burning is expected to begin as early as Thursday, October 16, 2025, and continue periodically until Friday, November 7, 2025.
- The prescribed burn will cover approximately 29 hectares within the Williams Lake Community Forest
- Ignitions will proceed only if conditions are suitable and allow for quick smoke dissipation.
What to expect
- Smoke and flames may be visible from Williams Lake and surrounding areas, and to motorists travelling on Highway 20.
- Low-to moderate-intensity spot fires will be lit within pre-established boundaries to remove combustible materials.
- Firefighters will closely monitor the fire activity at all times during the burn. Firefighters will remain on-site to monitor conditions into the evening.
Smoke from within the perimeter of the burn may be visible up to 72 hours after ignition.
This video showcases 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 the prescribed burn
- Wildfire Risk Reduction treatment to reduce juniper density and create a more fire resilient forest.
- The BC Wildfire Service will be working with Williams Lake First Nation to prepare, control and monitor the prescribed burns. This is a continuation of a relationship with Williams Lake First Nation to grow capacity and knowledge for cultural and prescribed burning.
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.
Learn about protecting your health from smoke online: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/wildfire-smoke
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