Prescribed burn planned for O’Connor Lake area



KAMLOOPS – The BC Wildfire Service will be supporting Thompson Rivers Natural Resource District in an ongoing Wildfire Risk Reduction and Ecosystem Restoration project in the O’Connor Lake area. This will be a multiyear project that will combine targeted mechanical harvesting, fuel management treatments, and prescribed fire to reduce the encroachment of trees on grasslands and to open forested areas to support the reintroduction of grass. When conditions allow, prescribed burns will take place in this area over the next 10 years. This spring, we will be conducting a prescribed burn covering approximately four hectares, about 23 kilometres north of Kamloops, at approximately 4.5 kilometres on the O’Connor Lake FSR.

Key goals of this prescribed burn include:

  • wildfire risk reduction
  • helping to restore forest health and a properly functioning ecosystem
  • returning a natural and necessary process to the land base
  • removing forest fuels to reduce the long-term risk of wildfire

Smoke may be visible from Kamloops, Heffley Creek and surrounding areas, and to motorists travelling along Highway 5 North. The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions, but it could begin as early as Monday, Mar 16. Burning will proceed if conditions are suitable and allow for smoke dispersal during burn operations, though smoke may also linger in the following days.

The Cultural Burning and Prescribed Fire Youtube is an excellent resource to learn more about prescribed and cultural fire:

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.

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 (https://rb.gy/90uh5s) 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: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/wildfire-smoke.

You can follow the latest wildfire news on:

Contact:

Nolan Wallace, RPF
Land and Resource Coordinator– Wildfire Risk Reduction
Thompson Rivers Natural Resource District
Ministry of Forests
236 425-9300

Fire Information Officer
BC Wildfire Service
Kamloops Fire Centre
250 554-5965