CASTLEGAR – The BC Wildfire Service is supporting Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi ‘it First Nation (Formerly Tobacco Plains Indian Band) in conducting 4 spot sized research-specific prescribed burns in the Tobacco Plains area. These burns are located approximately 9 kilometres southwest of Grasmere, immediately north of the Canada/US border, and will cover up to 0.2 hectares total.
The goal of the burn is to gather site-specific information on the effect of low-intensity spring burning on invasive plants sprayed with herbicide.
The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions, but it could begin as early as Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
Smoke may impact residents near the burn area and may be visible from the community of Grasmere and surrounding communities, and to motorists travelling along Highway 93.
Burning will proceed if conditions are suitable to achieve objectives and allow for smoke dispersal, though smoke may linger in the following days, particularly the morning after burn operations. Despite all precautions to manage it, unintended smoke impacts are possible after any burn.
Fire is a normal and 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 achieve land management objectives, reduce the severity of future wildfires and increase ecosystem and wildfire resilience. These projects are carefully planned and only go ahead at the right times and under the right conditions to ensure community and practitioner safety.
Learn more about prescribed burning online at prescribedfire.ca.
To report a wildfire, dial *5555 on a cell phone or call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free. To report an unattended campfire or open burning violation, call the RAPP line on 1 877 952-7277. You can also use the Report function in the BC Wildfire App to report a wildfire. Reporting though the app let’s you upload images and can be used without service.
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Contact:
Wade Oestreich
Director of Fire and Emergency Services
Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi ‘it First Nation
Tabacco Plains
250-887-3461
Fire Information Officer
Southeast Fire Centre
BC Wildfire Service
250-318-7715
Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect.