Prescribed burns planned within the City of Williams Lake



WILLIAMS LAKE – The BC Wildfire Service, in collaboration with the City of Williams Lake and Williams Lake First Nation, plan to conduct two prescribed burns within the City of Williams Lake in efforts to reduce wildfire risk in the area.

These prescribed burns will cover a combined 10 hectares in the Stampede Park Grounds, Hillside Park located behind Lake City Secondary and the Gibbon Street Park located near the water reservoir on Western avenue. Burning may begin as early as March 18, 2024 and will continue periodically until March 21, 2024. Ignitions will proceed only if conditions are suitable and allow for quick smoke dissipation.

A low intensity surface fire will be lit within pre-established boundaries to burn combustible materials and mimic a naturally occurring ground fire to reduce the risk of a wildfire spreading within city limits. BC Wildfire Service staff will be working with members of the Williams Lake Fire Department to prepare, control and monitor the fires at all times. Smoke and flames will be visible in the City of Williams Lake and surrounding area.

While burning is underway, traffic control will be on-site to ensure the safety of the public and fire fighters. Short delays may occur. Fires will be extinguished at the end of the day.

These prescribed burns will also allow the Williams Lake Fire Department and BC Wildfire Service to work together outside of emergency response activities, which is important for strengthening interagency coordination. This is a continuation of a relationship with Williams Lake First Nation to grow capacity and knowledge for cultural and prescribed burning.

Learn More:

A factsheet about prescribed burns and ecosystem restoration burns is available online: https://news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/prescribed-burns-reduce-wildfire-risks.

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Contact:

Fire Information Officer
Cariboo Fire Centre
BC Wildfire Service
778 799-2100

Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect