Prescribed burn planned for Nooaitch Indian Band area



MERRITT – The BC Wildfire Service will be supporting the Nooaitch Indian Band in conducting a prescribed burn covering up to 29 hectares on the Nooaitch IR #9 and #10, about 20 kilometres west of Merritt.

Smoke may be visible to members of the Nooaitch Indian Band, the City of Merritt, the Lower Nicola Community and surrounding areas, and to motorists travelling along Highway 8.

The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions, but could begin as early as Monday, March 3, 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.

Key goals of this prescribed burn include:

  • Reduce the build-up of dead grass and promote the growth of traditional foods
  • Improving ungulate winter grazing
  • Removing forest fuels to reduce the long-term risk of wildfire
  • Provide critical cross training and community partnership opportunities for BC Wildfire Service personnel and members of the Nooaitch Indian Band

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.

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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.