KAMLOOPS – The City of Kamloops with support from the BC Wildfire Service and Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc will be conducting a prescribed burn in the Peterson Creek Nature Park area within city limits. This prescribed burn will cover approximately 17 hectares.

Smoke may be visible from Kamloops and surrounding areas, and to motorists travelling along Highways 1, 5 and 5A.

The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions, but it could begin as early as March 5, 2025. Burning will proceed if conditions are suitable and allow for smoke dispersal during burn operations, though smoke may also linger in the following days.

Key goals of this prescribed burn include:

• Helping to restore forest health and a properly functioning ecosystem
• Removing and reducing build-up of overgrown sagebrush in the area
• Removing the growth of invasive species in the area
• Providing a cross training opportunity and encouraging interagency cooperation

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.

The Cultural Burning and Prescribed Fire webpage and YouTube channel are also excellent resources to learn more about prescribed and cultural fire.

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 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.

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Contact:

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