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 on the north side of Highway 20.
When and where
- Burning is expected to begin as early as Thursday, January 22, 2026, and continue periodically until Friday, February 13, 2026, as weather permits.
- The prescribed burn will cover up to 20 hectares within the Williams Lake Community Forest.
- Ignitions will proceed only if conditions are suitable and allow for smoke dissipation.
What to expect
- Smoke 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.
- Smoke from within the perimeter of the burn may be visible up to 72 hours after ignition.
Objectives of this prescribed burn
- Continuing previous Wildfire Risk Reduction treatments to reduce juniper density and create a more fire resilient forest.
- This project 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.
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.
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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