Prescribed burn planned for Penticton area



PENTICTON – The BC Wildfire Service will be collaborating with the Okanagan Shuswap Natural Resource District and Penticton Indian Band in conducting a prescribed burn covering up to 30 hectares, over multiple treatment units. The burn is located northeast of Penticton, adjacent to municipal boundaries, and Reservoir Road. This is the first burn that is part of an ongoing Wildfire Risk Reduction project for this area and will help return the fire cycle to the ecosystem. Hand treatments, including thinning, pruning, debris clean up and pile burning have been conducted in the past for the project.

Key goals of this prescribed burn include:

  • wildfire risk reduction
  • helping to restore forest health and a properly functioning ecosystem
  • removing forest fuels to reduce the long-term risk of wildfire

Smoke will be visible from Penticton, Naramata, Summerland, surrounding areas, and to motorists travelling along Highway 97. The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions, but it could begin as early as Thursday, October 13, and will be ongoing. 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 and Prescribedfire.ca 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

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire, or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 tollfree or *5555 on a cell phone or through the BC Wildfire Service mobile app. For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air-quality advisories, visit: http://www.bcwildfire.ca

You can follow the latest wildfire news on:

Contact:

BC Wildfire Service
Fire Information Officer
Kamloops Fire Centre
250 554-5965
BCWS.KFCInfo@gov.bc.ca

David Kirkup
Land and Resource Coordinator – Wildfire Risk Reduction
Okanagan Shuswap Natural Resource District
250 558-1700
Forests.OkanaganShuswapDistrictOffice@gov.bc.ca

James Pepper
Natural Resources Director
Penticton Indian Band
250 492-0411
jpepper@pib.ca

Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect.