Effective at 12:00 p.m. (noon) PDT onThursday, April 23 , 2026,Category 2 and 3 open fires and associated equipment and activities will be prohibited across the entire Cariboo Fire Centre including the Tsilhqot'in (Xeni Gwet'in) Declared Title Area.
Prohibition Details
All Category 2 and 3 open fires must befully extinguished by 12:00 noon on Thursday, April 23 , 2026.
The prohibitions will remain in place until12:00 noon on October 31, 2026, or until the Orders are rescinded.
These prohibitions apply to the entire Cariboo Fire Centre including the Tsilhqot'in (Xeni Gwet'in) Declared Title Area, the Cariboo Chilcotin Forest District, the 100 Mile House Forest District and the Quesnel Forest District.
In addition, this prohibition applies to the following types of land within municipal boundaries:
The following activities and use of the following equipment, materials and substances will also be prohibited:
Binary exploding targets
Fireworks, as defined in the Fireworks Act of BC
Burn Barrels or Burn Cages
Controlled air incinerators
Air curtain burners
Carbonizers
Please view a map of the prohibition area below.
Municipalities often follow BC Wildfire Service prohibitions or may impose different prohibitions based on conditions in their local area. If you are in a municipality, be sure to check if local prohibitions are in place. If you are within a regional district or improvement district, this prohibition applies as well as any local prohibition issued by the regional district or improvement district. BC Parks follows BC Wildfire Service prohibitions.
a CSA-rated or ULC-rated device used outdoors for cooking, heat or ambiance that burns charcoal briquettes, liquid fuel or gaseous fuel, and has a flame height that is less than 15 cm tall.
Multiple additional factors are taken into consideration when assessing wildfire hazards and implementing open fire prohibitions, including:
Drought conditions
Current and forecasted weather
Predicted wildfire behavior
Firefighting resource availability
TheBCWS YouTube pagehas a number of informative videos on Open Burning and Category 3 burns including the one linked here.
TheBCWS YouTube pagehas a number of informative videos on Open Burning and Category 2 burns including the one linked here.
Penalties
Anyone found in contravention of anopen fireprohibition may be issued a ticket for $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of $10,000, or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced for up to one year in jail.
If your fire causes or contributes to a wildfire, you may be fined up to $1 million and/or sentenced to up to 3 years in jail, as well as be responsible for all firefighting and associated costs.
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 theReport functionin 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 visitBCWildfire.ca, theBC Wildfire Map, or use the BC Wildfire app.
On May 6, 2026, between 11 am and 1 pm, the City of Quesnel will conduct a test of its Emergency Notification System using VoyentAlert!
Only residents who are registered with VoyentAlert! will receive the test notification by phone, text message (SMS), and/or email, based on their personal notification settings. To receive this alert, you must also have a location within city limits saved in your location settings.
This is a great opportunity to register for VoyentAlert! or log in to your account to ensure your contact information is up to date and that all locations you want notifications for have been added.
Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Service | Cariboo Fire Centre:
April 20, 2026
5:00pm
To reduce the threat of wildfire the BC Wildfire Service, in collaboration with the Williams Lake Fire Department, will conduct a wildfire risk reduction prescribed burn on Fox Mountain. This prescribed burn is a continuation of the 13 hectare fuel reduction treatment that was completed April 9, 2026.
When and where
Burning will begin as early as Friday, April 24, continuing periodically until May 15.
The prescribed burn will take place on approximately 20 hectares of land west of Eider Drive on the north side of Fox Mountain Road.
What to expect
Smoke and flames will be visible to residents on Fox Mountain, from the City of Williams Lake and to motorists traveling Highway 97.
Crews will ignite ground fuels to remove combustible materials.
Ignitions will only proceed if conditions are safe, with favorable weather and atmospheric venting allowing smoke to clear quickly.
While burning is underway portions of the Bearacouga Mountain Bike Trail will be restricted, signage will be placed on the trails as needed.
While burning is underway, traffic control may be on site to ensure the safety of public and firefighters, short delays may occur.
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.
Smoke from within the perimeter of the burn may be visible up to 72 hours after ignition.
These 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 City of Williams Lake and surrounding area.
Use fire to restore forest health to encourage a properly functioning ecosystem and maintain treatments from previous years.
Strengthen collaboration between the Williams Lake Fire Department and the Cariboo Fire Centre to grow capacity and knowledge 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.
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.
The Province of BC is providing nearly $2.5 million to strengthen emergency support services, helping communities throughout B.C. better support people displaced by emergencies.
“When people have to leave their homes during an emergency, they need support to be available quickly,” said the Hon. Kelly Greene, BC's Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “This funding helps communities prepare to deliver that support, from recruiting and training volunteers to equipment and supplies for reception centres and group lodging, helping ensure assistance is ready when people need it most.”
Through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF), the Province is supporting 54 projects for 88 communities under the Emergency Support Services (ESS) Equipment and Training stream. This funding will help communities expand their capacity to provide emergency support services through volunteer recruitment and retention, volunteer training and the purchase of ESS equipment and supplies. This can include equipment and supplies such as IT equipment, hygiene kits, bedding, pillows and storage bins.
Supporting people when emergencies happen
Emergency support services provide essential help to people evacuated from their homes, including registration, referrals, food, clothing, shelter and emotional support. Local governments and First Nations deliver these services with the help of trained volunteers.
“Emergency support services rely on people and practical readiness,” said Cori Ramsay: President, Union of British Columbia Municipalities. "This funding helps communities strengthen both, by supporting trained volunteers and ensuring the right equipment is in place before emergencies happen. Local governments and First Nations know their communities best, and this program gives them the tools to be better prepared to support people when they need it most.”
Quick Facts:
CEPF is a suite of funding programs that helps local governments and First Nations prepare for disasters and reduce risks from natural hazards in a changing climate.
The Province has committed $369 million into all the streams of CEPF since it was established in 2017.
Including this intake, almost $350 million has been provided to First Nations and local governments for more than 2,700 projects throughout the province.
In addition to ESS, the CEPF includes funding for emergency operations centres, volunteer and composite fire departments, public notification and evacuation route planning, and foundations in disaster risk reduction.
The CEPF is administered by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities on behalf of the Province.
Ed Coleman - Mayor for the District of Wells stated:
“This funding for Building Capacity in Emergency Support Services will allow Wells to significantly enhance residents access to Emergency Support Services in times of need. By helping develop mobile-service delivery and strengthening the ability to recruit and equip volunteers, we will strengthen our community's resilience and be able to better serve our residents in their time of need.”
Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments or Indigenous Governments receiving CEPF Funding:
1) District of Wells -- $29,329 for Reception centre trailer, training and volunteer recruitment
2) City of Williams Lake -- $28,457 for Reception centre supplies and volunteer recognition and development opportunity
3) Cariboo Regional District -- $23,738 for Volunteer retention and development opportunity
4) Tsilhqot'in National Government -- $30,000 for cultural care kits and ESS IT equipment
Present: Mayor Rathor; Councillors Boehm. Delainey, Lyons, Moses and Nelson
Meeting called to order at 6:00pm
Mayor Rathor recognized that the meeting was taking place on the traditional unceded territory of Williams Lake First Nation within Secwepemculecw and he welcomed former Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb, Cariboo RD Area "D" Director Steve Forseth and Williams Lake First Nation Kukpi7 (Chief) Willie Sellars to tonight's Council meeting
Mayor Rathor recognized that the meeting was taking place on the traditional unceded territory of Williams Lake First Nation within Secwepemculecw
Minutes of the previous Council meeting were received/adopted
Delegations:
1) Ms. Maureen Straza, Accessibility Advisory Committee Chair appeared before Council to present the Accessibility Advisory Committee's 2025 Year-End Report
2) Mr. Walt Cobb appeared before Council to present on a Community Grant Application & Funding for Military Crosswalk to Celebrate 100th Anniversary
3) Ms. Taya Vanderkop-Girard, Wildfire Risk Reduction and FireSmart Coordinator appeared before Council to present an Overview of FireSmart Program and Objectives in the City of Williams Lake
After each presentation -- a Question/Answer period ensued...
Mayor Rathor thanked each delegation for their time/information
Response to Delegations:
Delegation #1 -- the report of the Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) Chair and Legislative Services Assistant Coordinator dated March 11, 2026 regarding a summary of the AAC's goals and successes from 2025 was received for information
Delegation #2 -- the presentation of Walt Cobb, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 139 requesting Council approval for the proposed installation of a painted military-themed crosswalk project at the intersection of 4th Avenue and Borland Street was received/endorsed. Council also agreed to provide a Year Round grant for the project in the amount of $4,600, as per Council Policy 230 and referred the matter to the Central Cariboo Joint Committee to seek CRD Area Directors' Financial Support for the crosswalk project
Delegation #3 -- the presentation from Taya Vanderkop-Girard, Wildfire Risk Reduction and FireSmart Coordinator, regarding an introduction and overview of the Williams Lake FireSmart Program and objectives was received for information
Business:
1) Council received for information the accounts payable computer cheque and EFT listings dated March 26, April 2 and 9, 2026
2) Mayor Rathor required Council to reconsider Council Resolution #118/26 as per Section 131 of the Community Charter, as follows:
That Council direct staff to send a response to the LCRB regarding the cannabis retail licence application at #401-1185 Prosperity Way that states:
(a) The City of Williams Lake has considered the location of the proposed store and the views of the residents; and
(b) The City of Williams Lake recommends the application be issued, as minimal concerns have been identified by the various City departments on the general impact to the community, and the proposal aligns with Council Policy No. 213 and Zoning Bylaw No. 2430;
And further, that Council direct staff to include a record of the community consultation with the response to the LCRB regarding the licence application.
Following verbal input from the applicant and Unity Cannabis (Williams Lake First Nation) --
Council recessed its' Open Meeting at 7:11pm to hold a Closed (In-Camera) Meeting as per Section 90(1i - legal advice) of the Community Charter
At 7:35pm - Council resumed its' Open Meeting
Following further discussion -- Council rejected Council Resolution #118/26 by the following vote:
Affirmative - Councillors S. Boehm and A. Delainey
Opposed - Mayor SPS Rathor; Councillors S. Nelson, M. Moses and J. Lyons
3) Council authorized entering into a License of Occupation Agreement with Fraser Inn Beer & Wine Store Ltd., Inc. No. BC1242853 for an existing freestanding sign located along Donald Ave at 245 Donald Road
4) Council ratified an email poll in relation to the following motion:
That Council identify that it is strongly opposed to the Thompson River University (TRU) Board’s discussion or the recommendation that the Williams Lake TRU campus be shut down,
And further that Council demand that public consultation and the implementation of other programs be implemented ASAP on behalf of the Provincial government and the Board of TRU,
And further that Council be on record that they are 100% opposed that the most important trade school in the province of BC be at risk of closing because of budget short falls.
5) Council gave 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings to the following Bylaws:
* City of Williams Lake Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2433, 2026
* City of Williams Lake Tax Rate Bylaw No. 2434, 2026
6) Council endorsed the 2026 April 14, 2026 Regular Council Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan (CWRP) as presented and amended (Goal #35 - work collaboratively between City of Williams Lake, local First Nations and Regional District for wildfire risk reduction strategies for the broader Williams Lake area), and direct staff to use the Plan as the guiding framework for ongoing wildfire risk reduction, operational planning, public education, and future grant applications related to wildfire resilience
7) Council approved the Cariboo Large Event Municipal Fire Suppression Mutual Aid Agreement between Quesnel, Williams Lake and 100 Mile House
8) Council awarded the Asphalt Resurfacing 2026 contract to Peters Bros Construction Ltd. for the total construction tender amount of $1,178,252.89, excluding GST, for a total project value of $1,338,252.89 including contingency and quality assurance
9) Council awarded the Waterworks 2026 contract to Peterson Contracting Ltd. for the total construction tender amount of $174,518.19, excluding GST, for a total project value of $214,518.19 including contingency and testing
10) Council endorsed Committee recommendations, as follows:
a) Central Cariboo Joint Committee - April 1st, 2026 mtg:
That pursuant to Central Cariboo Joint Committee Report #04-202, Mayor Rathor and Stacey Miranda from the City of Williams Lake, and Director Neufeld and Darron Campbell from the Cariboo Regional District be appointed to a Working Group for the development of an Indoor Multi-Use Facility in the Central Cariboo
b) Committee of the Whole - March 31st, 2026 mtg:
* That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #09-2026 and the report of the Manager of Engineering dated February 11, 2026, Council receive the latest construction cost estimate for the Water Treatment Plant, endorse the Water Treatment Plant project as a top priority, support the project and move it forward to the design stage, and seek upgrades in grants that will tie in with future programs to cover ongoing project costs
* That pursuant to Committee of Whole Council Report #10-2026, the letter from the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia dated March 23, 2026 regarding the provincial budget 2027 consultation be received and Council request the Province re-insert the $200 northern allowance back into the budget
11) Council received for information the April 1st, 2026 meeting minutes of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee
12) Council received for information:
* the following list of recognitions approved in accordance with Council Policy No. 235
Lighting Request - Purple on September 13, 2026 for "World Sepsis Day"
Proclamation - May 30 to June 5, 2026 for "SpringGoByBike Week"
Proclamation - May 2026 for "Hospice Palliative Care Awareness Month"
Proclamation - May 17 to 23, 2026 for "National Public Works Week"
* "Council Information Package" as of April 14, 2026
Local residents are invited to share their input on the development of the Cariboo-Chilcotin forest landscape plan (FLP) to guide long-term forest management decisions in the area.
People can share their thoughts through a survey, which will run from Monday, April 13 to May 30, 2026. The Ministry of Forests will also hold two open houses so the community can learn more about forest landscape planning and ask questions.
Open house details are as follows:
April 29, 2026 6:30-8:30 p.m. Gibraltar Room, Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex 525 Proctor St. Williams Lake
May 2, 2026 10 a.m. to noon Community Club 2620 Stum Lake Rd. Alexis Creek
First Nations and community engagement
FLPs are developed in partnership with First Nations to ensure meaningful participation in forestry planning and long-term decision-making.
The following First Nations have partnered with the Province on the Cariboo-Chilcotin FLP:
Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation
Tsq’escen’ (Canim Lake Band)
Nuxalk
Tsideldel
Xatśūll
Tl’esqox
Ulkatcho
Esk’etemc
Yunesit’in
?Esdilagh Nazko
Xeni Gwet’in
Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN)
Tsilhqot’in National Government
Lhoosk’uz
Lhtako
Xwisten
Engagement with other First Nations in the area continues.
Engagement with forest licensees, subject-matter experts and the public is a key part of every FLP. This ensures that all parties have opportunities to share their perspectives and help inform decisions about future forest management in the region. The Cariboo-Chilcotin FLP team regularly updates forest licensees on planning progress and has scheduled a meeting for licensees to attend to further discuss how their expertise can support plan development alongside community identified values.
Through early collaboration with First Nations partners and initial engagement with forest licence holders, key themes have emerged that will be integrated into the survey for public feedback to reflect community priorities.
Developing FLPs is a new approach to forest stewardship that establishes clear direction for the management of forest-related values, such as old forests, biodiversity, ecosystem health, climate change, watershed health and wildfire risk.
Once feedback is received, the next step is to incorporate feedback into the FLP itself.
Quick Facts:
B.C. has 15 forest landscape tables that are at various phases of planning, representing 42% of the area intended for FLPs.
FLP design is guided by five key objectives:
manage the values placed on forest ecosystems by First Nation
support the protection and conservation of the environment
support production and supply of timber in the forest landscape area
manage the values placed on ecosystems by local communities
prevent, mitigate and adapt to effects caused by significant disturbances to forests and forest health
