Prescribed burn planned in 100 Mile House

100 MILE HOUSE – The 100 Mile House Fire Department, with support from the BC Wildfire Service, plans to conduct a prescribed burn west of 100 Mile House to help reduce wildfire threats.

When and where

The burn will cover approximately 19 hectares in the Exeter area.
Preparation work that includes small scale fire ignitions to create control lines may start as early as April 8.
The primary burn may begin as early as April 9 and continue periodically until April 30.
Ignitions will only proceed if conditions are suitable and allow for smoke dispersal during burn operations, though smoke may also linger in the following days.

What to expect

Smoke and flames will be visible from 100 Mile House, surrounding communities and motorists on Highway 97.
Crews will ignite ground fuels to remove combustible materials.
The perimeter of the burn will be extinguished at the end of each day. Smoke from within the perimeter may remain visible up to 48 hours after ignition.
Firefighters will remain on-site to monitor conditions into the evening.

Objectives of the prescribed burn

Reduce wildfire risk within the 100 Mile House municipal boundaries.
Use fire to restore grassland and forest health to encourage a properly functioning ecosystem.
Strengthen collaboration between BC Wildfire Service and local firefighters 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 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.

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.

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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