WILLIAMS LAKE – The BC Wildfire Service in collaboration with the Cariboo-Chilcotin Natural Resource District will conduct an ecosystem restoration prescribed burn at the north end of Cotton Road near Riske Creek and Tl’esqox First Nation.
When and where
- Burning is expected to begin as early as September 18, 2026, and may continue periodically until October 31.
- The prescribed burn will cover approximately 29 hectares in size at the north end of Cotton Road near Riske Creek and Tl’esqox First Nation.
What to expect
- Smoke and flames will be visible to motorists travelling along Highway 20, and may be visible to surrounding residences.
- Crews will ignite forest fuels within pre-established boundaries to remove combustible materials.
- Ignitions will only proceed with favorable weather and atmospheric venting, allowing smoke to clear quickly.
- Personnel will remain on site until there is no risk of the fire spreading beyond the perimeter and return daily until the fire is out.
- While burning is underway, traffic control may be on-site to ensure the safety of public and firefighters, short delays may occur.
- Smoke from within the perimeter of the burn may be visible up to 72 hours after ignition.
Objectives of this prescribed burn
- Reduce wildfire risk to the Tl’esqox First Nation and residences of Cotton Road and surrounding area.
- Use fire to restore forest health to encourage a properly functioning ecosystem, improving the grassland forage for future wildlife and cattle grazing.
- Strengthen collaboration between the Tl’esqox First Nation, the Cariboo-Chilcotin Natural Resource District – Range Branch and the Cariboo Fire Centre to grow capacity and knowledge for cultural and prescribed burning outside of emergency response situations.
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.
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.
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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