WILLIAMS LAKE – The BC Wildfire Service, in partnership with the City of Williams Lake, plans to conduct five prescribed burns within the city limits of Williams Lake to reduce wildfire risk in the area.
When and where
- Burning is expected to begin as early as Sunday, March 29, and may continue periodically until April 17
- The prescribed burns will take place on approximately 24 hectares of land in the Stampede Park Grounds, Dairy Fields, Lake City Secondary School Municipal Park, Patrick Reid Park and Gibbon Street Municipal Park
- Ignitions will only proceed if conditions are safe, with favorable weather and atmospheric venting allowing smoke to clear quickly
What to expect
- Smoke and flames will be visible in the City of Williams Lake and surrounding areas
- Crews will ignite ground fuels within pre-established boundaries to remove combustible materials and mimic a naturally occurring wildland fire
- While burning is underway, traffic control will be on-site to ensure the safety of public and firefighters, short delays may occur
- While burning is underway some public trails will be restricted, signage will be placed on the trails as needed
- Firefighters will closely monitor fire activity at all times during the burn
- Personnel will remain on-site into the evening to ensure the perimeter of the fire is fully extinguished at the end of each day and will only leave once there is no risk of the fire spreading
- Smoke from within the perimeter of the burn may be visible up to 72 hours after ignition
The following 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 to the Williams Lake First Nation and the City of Williams Lake
- Use fire to restore forest health to encourage a properly functioning ecosystem
- Strengthen collaboration between the Williams Lake Fire Department, the City of Williams Lake and the Cariboo Fire Centre 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
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