MERRITT – The BC Wildfire Service will be assisting the Lower Nicola Indian Band in conducting four prescribed burns that are a part of a three-year project that started in 2024.
The exact timing of these burns will depend on weather and site conditions, but it could begin as early as the first week of March, 2025, until the end of April, 2025. Burning will proceed if conditions are suitable and allow for smoke dispersal during burn operations, though smoke may also linger in the following days.
Nicola Mameet IR #1 burn
The first prescribed burn will be taking place on Nicola Mameet Indian Reserve #1, located approximately 6 kilometres west of Merritt, along Highway 8. The total size of this prescribed burn is 249 hectares, and the goal for this spring is to burn an estimate of 50 hectares. Smoke from this burn may be visible to the surrounding communities and motorists travelling along Highway 8.
Zoht IR #4 burn
The second prescribed burn will be taking place on Zoht Indian Reserve #4, located 10 kilometres northeast of Merritt along Highway 5A. This prescribed burn will cover 27 hectares. Smoke may be visible to the surrounding communities and travellers along Highway 5A.
Hamilton Creek IR #7 burn
The third prescribed burn will be taking place on the Hamilton Creek, located 19 kilometres east of Merritt, adjacent to Quilchena Creek. This prescribed burn is 387 hectares. Crews will work to burn portions of the burn this spring and complete the remainder of the burn at later dates. Smoke from this prescribed burn may be visible to residents of Quilchena and surrounding communities.
Speous IR #8 burn
The fourth prescribed burn will be taking place on the Speous Indian Reserve #8, located 16 kilometres west of Merritt, adjacent to Sunshine Valley Road. This prescribed burn will cover 28.5 hectares. Smoke may be visible to residents of Canford, Spius Creek, Nooaitch Indian Band and Sunshine Valley.
Key goals of these prescribed burns include:
- Reducing wildfire risk for the community
- Reducing dead/cured grass to allow for traditional foods and plants to re-establish
- Improving ungulate (hoofed mammal) winter grazing
- Provide cross training opportunities to Lower Nicola Indian Band Fire Department and BC Wildfire Service personnel
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.
Visit the BC Wildfire Service Cultural and prescribed fire webpage for more information.
The Cultural Burning and Prescribed Fire webpage and YouTube channel are also excellent resources to learn more about prescribed and cultural fire.
Exposure to smoke can irritate eyes and respiratory tracts and worsen pre-existing lung and heart conditions. If your area is impacted by smoke:
- Run portable air cleaners with windows and doors closed, both commercial and home-made units can be effective if operated properly
- Reduce the length and intensity of outdoor activities
- Manage pre-existing conditions and seek medical care if you have severe symptoms
Learn more about protecting health from smoke online.
Follow the latest wildfire news on:
Contact:
Fire Information Officer
Kamloops Fire Centre
BC Wildfire Service
250-554-5965
BCWS.KFCInfo@gov.bc.ca
Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect.