WILLIAMS LAKE – The BC Wildfire Service and the Cariboo Chilcotin Natural Resource District, with support from Williams Lake First Nation, plan to conduct a prescribed burn near White Road, Bellevue Drive, and Highway 97 in an effort to reduce wildfire risks in the area.
When and where
- The burn will cover approximately six hectares on the north side of Highway 97, near the Welcome to Williams Lake Rest Area and Bellevue Drive, south of Williams Lake.
- Burning may begin as early as Saturday, April 5, and be completed by Sunday, April 6.
- Ignitions will only proceed if conditions are safe, with favourable weather and atmospheric venting allowing smoke to clear quickly.
What to expect
- Smoke and flames will be visible from Williams Lake, Williams Lake First Nation, Coyote Rock Golf Course and to motorists on Highway 97.
- Crews will ignite ground fuels to remove combustible materials, this may include the candling of some trees.
- While burning is underway, traffic control will 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.
Objective of these prescribed burns
- Reduce wildfire risk around the City of Williams Lake.
Help restore natural forest health and encourage a properly functioning ecosystem.
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 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. 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.
Follow the latest wildfire news on:
BC Wildfire App: available for Apple and Android
Contacts
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