REDSTONE – The BC Wildfire Service in collaboration with Tŝideldel First Nation will conduct a series of ecosystem restoration prescribed burns 188 kilometres west of Williams Lake within the community of Tŝideldel.
When and where
- Burning is expected to begin as early as Thursday April 9 and may continue periodically until April 24
- The prescribed burn area will cover approximately 32 hectares, divided into two parcels on the North side of Highway 20
What to expect
- Smoke and flames will be visible to nearby residences, the community of Tŝideldel and to motorists on Highway 20
- Crews will ignite ground fuels to remove combustible materials and mimic a low intensity wildland fire
- Ignitions will only proceed with favorable weather and atmospheric venting allowing smoke dissipation
- While burning is underway, traffic control will be onsite to ensure the safety of public and firefighters, and short delays may occur
- Personnel will remain onsite 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
These YouTube videos explain the benefits of prescribed burning and showcase the process and some of the work that goes into planning Prescribed Burns. The BCWS YouTube channel is an excellent resource to watch videos on wildfire and prevention in the province.
Objectives of this prescribed burn
- Reduce wildfire risk near the community of Tŝideldel
- Use fire to restore grassland and forest health to encourage a properly functioning ecosystem
- Help native plants grow while limiting the spread of invasive species
- Strengthen collaboration between BC Wildfire Service and communities outside of emergency response situations
Minimizing health impacts from smoke
Exposure to smoke from wildfires or prescribed burning can irritate eyes and respiratory tracts and worsen pre-existing lung and heart conditions. If your area is impacted by smoke:
- Manage pre-existing conditions and seek medical care if you have severe symptoms
- Reduce the length and intensity of outdoor activities
- 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
Learn about protecting your health from smoke online: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/wildfire-smoke
Learn more
Fire has been used by Indigenous Peoples for millennia to manage flora and fauna and is continued through the community’s cultural fire program. Projects like this are renewing past traditions and practices and are an opportunity for BC Wildfire Service staff to work with the community of Tŝideldel.
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 though 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.
Follow the latest wildfire news on:
Contact
Fire Information Officer
Cariboo Fire Centre
BC Wildfire Service
778 799-2100
CaFCInfo@gov.bc.ca
Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect.