WILLIAMS LAKE – The BC Wildfire Service, in partnership with Williams Lake First Nation and the Williams Lake Fire Department, will be conducting a prescribed burn on Fox Mountain.
When and where
- Burning will begin as early as Thursday, April 24, continuing periodically until Friday, May 2.
- The prescribed burn will cover up to nine hectares west of Mason Road on the north side of Fox Mountain Road.
- 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 residents on Fox Mountain, from the City of Williams Lake and to motorists traveling Highway 97.
- While burning is underway some public trails will be restricted, signage will be placed on the trails as needed.
- Traffic control will be on-site to ensure the safety of public and firefighters while burning is underway, short delays may occur.
- The perimeter of the burn will be extinguished at the end of each day. Smoke from within the perimeter may remain visible up to 72 hours after ignition.
- Firefighters will remain on-site to monitor conditions into the evening.
Objectives of this prescribed burn
- Reduce wildfire risk to the City of Williams Lake and surrounding area.
- Use fire to restore forest health to encourage a properly functioning ecosystem and maintain treatments that were completed in 2010.
- Strengthen collaboration between BC Wildfire Service and local firefighters 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. 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.
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Contact
Fire Information Officer
BC Wildfire Service | Cariboo Fire Centre
778 799-2100
CaFCInfo@gov.bc.ca
Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect