Prescribed Burn Scheduled to Begin This Week in Westridge Area

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

To help reduce the threat of wildfire, the City of Williams Lake, in partnership with the BC Wildfire Service, will commence spring burning activities this week within City limits, weather permitting.

The prescribed burn area is located between Country Club Boulevard and Westridge, which will be highly visible to residents as well as motorists travelling along Highways 97 and 20. Smoke may also impact some residents within City limits.

The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions; however, operations are expected to get underway on Wednesday, April 6 while conditions are still cool and damp.

Fuel treatment is a critical step to protecting the community and homes by reducing the amount of fuel available in the event of a wildfire, such as dry grasses, woody debris and combustible material. As outlined in the Williams Lake and Area Community Wildfire Protection Plan, these priority actions create fuel breaks within and around the community to slow down forest fire and contribute to making Williams Lake a FireSmart community.

Preparations began last week to ensure a ‘black line’ around the perimeter to contain the fire. Residents are asked to keep children and pets away from the area, and to stay back while staff monitor the work to ensure a safe and thorough burn.

As FireSmart activities continue throughout Williams Lake, the City will inform residents through its social media channels and website where possible.

In addition, property owners are encouraged to take proactive FireSmart actions on their properties to reduce flammable fuels. To find out more, visit www.firesmartbc.ca. You can also request a FireSmart Assessment at homesafety@williamslake.ca.

For more information visit www.williamslake.ca/873/Community-Wildfire-Protection or if you have questions about the prescribed fires, contact Evan Dean, Acting Williams Lake Fire Department Fire Prevention/Training Officer, by email at edean@williamslake.ca or by phone at 250-392-4321. For technical inquiries contact Ken Day with KDay Forestry Ltd. by calling 250-267-2474 or email j.kenneth.day@gmail.com.