Prescribed burn planned for N’Quatqua (D’Arcy) area at Lower Haylmore Creek



PEMBERTON – The BC Wildfire Service will be assisting N’Quatqua and the Sea to Sky Resource District in conducting a prescribed burn covering up to 11.2 hectares in the Pemberton Zone of the Coastal Fire Centre, about two kilometres east of D’Arcy, on the southeast side of Smáxen (Anderson Lake).

Smoke may be visible from D’Arcy, Devine, Birken, and surrounding areas, and to motorists travelling along Pemberton-Portage Rd and the Highline and Haylmore Creek Forest Service Roads (FSRs).

The exact timing of this burn will depend on suitable weather and site conditions, but could begin as early as Monday, April 13. Burning will proceed if conditions allow for smoke dispersal during burn operations, although smoke may also linger in the following days.

Key goals of this prescribed burn include:

  • Maintenance of forest health and a properly functioning ecosystem
  • Reducing build-up of dead and combustible material, especially fine, woody fuels
  • Enhancing native plants of cultural importance to N’Quatqua
  • Enhancing wildlife habitat
  • Enhancing firefighter safety and efficacy in the event of a future wildfire in the area

Fire is a natural, normal process for many ecosystems in B.C, and N’Quatqua has utilized fire to nurture the land since time immemorial. The BC Wildfire Service is working with N’Quatqua, the Sea to Sky Natural Resource District, and other partners to help reduce the severity of future wildfires and related threats to communities in the D’Arcy area through the application of planned, intentional fire on the land base. These projects are carefully planned and proceed only under appropriate conditions to prioritize the safety of both communities and fire practitioners.

For many ecosystems throughout B.C., fire plays a key role in maintaining ecological health. Eliminating fire from forests, grasslands and other fire-dependent landscapes can alter ecosystems, affect key species and negatively impact wildlife populations. The primary ecosystem objective for this project is stimulating the regeneration of native plants that have reduced abundance due to fire exclusion.

Visit the BC Wildfire Service’s webpage on cultural and prescribed fire (C&Rx) or prescribedfire.ca for more information.

According to the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), exposure to smoke can irritate lungs, cause inflammation, and alter immune function. For more information, including how to reduce your exposure to smoke, visit: BCCDC – Wildfire Smoke

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire, or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 tollfree, *5555 on a cell phone, or submit an electronic report through the BC Wildfire public mobile app.

For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, and more:

Contact:

Fire Information Officer
Coastal Fire Centre | BC Wildfire Service
250-951-4209 | BCWS.CoFCInfo@gov.bc.ca

Sea to Sky Natural Resource District
Ministry of Forests
604-898-2100 | FOR.SeaToSky@gov.bc.ca