Ecosystem restoration burn near Riske Creek and Tl’esqox First Nation

Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Service:

The BC Wildfire Service and the Ecosystem Restoration branch plans to conduct an ecosystem restoration burn near Riske Creek and Tl’esqox First Nation. 

This burn will cover approximately 33 hectares south of Highway 20 near Cotton Road, approximately 30 kilometres southwest of Williams Lake.  Burning may begin as early as April 19, 2022 and will continue periodically until May 1, 2022.  The exact timing of the burn will be dependent on weather, site and venting conditions. Ignitions will proceed only if conditions are suitable and allow for quick smoke dissipation. 

BC Wildfire Service staff will carefully prepare, control, and monitor the fires at all times. Smoke and flames from this prescribed burn will be highly visible from Highway 20, and surrounding areas.  

Purpose of this prescribed burn: 

*Restore open grasslands by reducing encroachment from juniper and conifer trees. 

*Improve the grassland forage for future wildlife and cattle grazing. 

*Reduce the wildfire hazard within the area. 

*Promote the growth of local plant species while reducing the spread of invasive plant species. 

Historically, grasslands in the Cariboo-Chilcotin were renewed through frequent, low-intensity ground fires. Such fires prevented tree encroachment, rejuvenated understory plants and helped maintained more open grasslands and forests with large trees.  

The reintroduction of managed, low-intensity ground fires to these grasslands is intended to restore and maintain the traditional grassland plant communities that are native to these areas. These managed fires also reduce fuel loads, leading to a decreased risk of catastrophic wildfires. 

This burn is part of an ongoing ecosystem restoration program administered by the provincial government through the Cariboo’s Ecosystem Restoration Steering Committee, in consultation with First Nations, local ranchers, local forest licensees, outdoor organizations, Fraser Basin Council, the B.C. Wildlife Federation and the Cariboo-Chilcotin Conservation Society. 

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.  

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