MERRITT – The BC Wildfire Service will be supporting Nooaitch Indian Band in conducting a prescribed burn covering up to 30 hectares. This is part of a three year project that began in 2025, and the goal this year is to successfully complete the burn on the full 30 hectares, retreating some of the area from the previous year that didn’t burn with the level of fuel consumption that we needed. The project is located about 20 kilometres west of Merritt on Nooaitch IR #10, adjacent to Highway 8 and the Nicola River.

Key goals of this prescribed burn include:

• removing forest fuels to reduce the long-term risk of wildfire
• wildfire risk reduction
• provide critical cross training and community partnership opportunities for BC Wildfire Service Personnel and members of the Nooaitch Indian Band

Smoke may be visible to members of the Nooaitch Indian Band, Merritt, the Lower Nicola Indian Band 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 it could begin as early as Monday, Mar 9. 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 fire 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:

• the free BC Wildfire Service app, available for Apple (iOS) and Android devices
• Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo
  

Contacts

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