CHILCOTIN – The BC Wildfire Service, in partnership with the Cariboo Chilcotin Natural Resource District will be conducting a prescribed burn in the Siwash area approximately 100 kilometres to the west of Williams Lake.
When and where
- Burning is expected to begin as early as Sept. 29, and may continue periodically until Oct. 31.
- The prescribed burn will take place on approximately 112 hectares of land west of the community of Yunesit’in and southwest of Alexis Creek.
What to expect
- Smoke and flames will be visible to motorists travelling along Highway 20, and may be visible to surrounding residences
- Crews will ignite forest fuels within pre-established boundaries to help control mistletoe infestations within the forest stand
- Ignitions will only proceed with favorable weather and atmospheric venting, allowing smoke to clear quickly
- Personnel will remain on site until there is no risk of the fire spreading beyond the perimeter and return daily until the fire is out
- Smoke from within the perimeter of the burn may be visible up to 72 hours after ignition
Objectives of this prescribed burn
- Help restore natural forest health and encourage a properly functioning ecosystem.
- Fire can reduce mistletoe by killing infected branches and trees, helping limit the spread of the infestation.
- Support the growth of a healthy vibrant forest stand to be planted post burn treatment
Learn more
Fire is a natural process in many of B.C.’s ecosystems. The BC Wildfire Service works regularly with land managers to undertake fuel management activities, including the use of prescribed burns, to help reduce the severity of future wildfires and related threats to communities.
Learn more about prescribed burning online at prescribedfire.ca or find more resources here.
Reporting
- To report an unattended campfire or open burning violation calling call the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277
- To report illegal fires in a local fire department’s jurisdiction, call 9-1-1
- Dial *5555 on a cell phone or call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free to report a wildfire
- Use the Report function in the BC Wildfire App to report a wildfire, reporting through the app lets you upload images and can be used without service
Stay in the know
For the latest information on current wildfire activity, prohibitions and restrictions, road closures, and air-quality advisories please visit BCWildfire.ca, the BC Wildfire Map, or use the BC Wildfire app.
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Contact
Fire Information Officer
Cariboo Fire Centre
778 799-2100
CaFCInfo@gov.bc.ca Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect