Wildfire Risk Reduction project planned for Puntzi Lake Airport



CHILCOTIN – BC Wildfire Service and the Cariboo Chilcotin Forest District in collaboration with Tsi Del Del Enterprises Ltd. will be conducting pile burning approximately three kilometers southeast of Puntzi Lake Airport and along the Chilanko forest service road, south of Highway 20.

Completing this project will help reduce the wildfire hazard in an area near the community of Tsi Del del (Redstone), as well as help restore grown-in Pine, Fir and Spruce stands to a more natural/desirable state. This project is 316.4 hectares of burning debris piles with 6.3 hectares of manual labor. The scope of the work involves removing the surface and ladder fuels, as well as pruning and thinning out the stand to create crown separation and reduce the risk of a high-intensity crown fire.

Burning is expected to begin on any day that the venting forecast is fair until March 20, 2025. Ignitions and burning will only proceed if weather and site conditions are suitable and allow smoke to dissipate. Smoke and flames may be visible along Highway 20 from the community of Tsi Del del (Redstone) to Puntzi Lake airport and surrounding areas.

The Ministry of Forests has completed several wildfire risk reduction projects within the district, including on Fox Mountain, Airport Road, South Lakeside, Dog Creek, Chimney Valley and Tinmusket.

Learn more:

For more information regarding the Ventilation Index and Open Burning and Smoke Control Regulations, please visit: Ventilation Index – Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)

For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions and air quality advisories, visit: Wildfire Service – Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)

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:

  • Run portable air cleaners with windows and doors closed. Both commercial and home-made units can be effective if operated properly.
  • Reduce the length and intensity of outdoor activities.
  • Manage pre-existing conditions, and seek medical care if you have severe symptoms.

Learn more about protecting health from smoke online.

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Contact:

Shelly Harnden, RFT – Contract Manager
Land and Resource Coordinator
Cariboo-Chilcotin Forest District
250-706-6276
Shelly.Harnden@gov.bc.ca

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