Prescribed burn planned near Doc English Road (Riske Creek)

Courtesy of the Cariboo Fire Centre (BC Wildfire Service):

The BC Wildfire Service in collaboration with the Cariboo-Chilcotin Natural Resource District will conduct an ecosystem restoration prescribed burn at the north end of Cotton Road near Riske Creek and Tl’esqox First Nation.

 

When and where

Burning is expected to begin as early as September 18, 2026, and may continue periodically until October 31.

The prescribed burn will cover approximately 29 hectares in size at the north end of Cotton Road near Riske Creek and Tl’esqox First Nation.

 

What to expect

Smoke and flames will be visible to motorists travelling along Highway 20, and may be visible to surrounding residences.

Crews will ignite forest fuels within pre-established boundaries to remove combustible materials.

Ignitions will only proceed with favorable weather and atmospheric venting, allowing smoke to clear quickly.

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.

While burning is underway, traffic control may be on-site to ensure the safety of public and firefighters, short delays may occur.

Smoke from within the perimeter of the burn may be visible up to 72 hours after ignition.

Objectives of this prescribed burn

Reduce wildfire risk to the Tl’esqox First Nation and residences of Cotton Road and surrounding area.

Use fire to restore forest health to encourage a properly functioning ecosystem, improving the grassland forage for future wildlife and cattle grazing.

Strengthen collaboration between the Tl’esqox First Nation, the Cariboo-Chilcotin Natural Resource District - Range Branch and the Cariboo Fire Centre to grow capacity and knowledge for cultural and prescribed burning outside of emergency response situations.

 

Learn more

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.

Contact

Fire Information Officer

Cariboo Fire Centre | BC Wildfire Service

778 799-2100

CaFCInfo@gov.bc.ca

Off Road Vehicle use banned in 100 Mile House area....

Courtesy of the Cariboo Fire Centre/BC Wildfire Service:

ORV Prohibition marked in "red"

Effective at 12 p.m. (noon) PT on August 10, 2026 – Effective immediately, Monday August 10, 2026, off-road vehicles (ORV) will be prohibited on Crown Land throughout the 100 Mile House Forest District which includes the entirety of Cariboo Regional District Electoral Areas "G", "H" and "L"

Given the scope and scale of fires currently burning in B.C., and the elevated danger ratings in many southern regions of the province, this prohibition is being put into place to further protect public safety.

As of Monday, August 10, 2026, the operation of any off-road vehicle for recreational purposes on Crown land will be prohibited and all on-highway vehicles must remain on road surfaces as defined in the Forest Planning and Practices Regulation.

The prohibition applies to off-road vehicles as defined in the Off-Road Vehicle Act and section 2 (a) of the Off-Road Vehicle Regulation:

• all-terrain vehicles
• motorcycles
• off road side-by-side vehicles

This prohibitions does not apply to private lands or national parks. It also does not apply to emergency response, agriculture or commercial/industrial users who operate off road vehicles for farming or business purposes.

This prohibition will remain in place until 12:00 noon Pacific Time October 9, 2026, or until the order is rescinded. The BC Wildfire Service is continually monitoring conditions and this prohibition may be expanded or rescinded as needed.

Reminder that wildfires are dynamic and conditions can change quickly. Before traveling, check the Prohibitions and Restrictions page for any area restrictions, and review DriveBC.ca for road impacts.

Report an off-road violation

To report a violation of the ORV prohibition, call the RAPP line at: 1 877 952-7277.
You can also digitally report a violation using the online reporting service.

Report a wildfire

The Cariboo Fire Centre would like to thank the public for its continuing help in preventing wildfires by:

• Dialing *5555 on a cell phone
• Calling 1 800 663-5555 toll-free
• Reporting through the BC Wildfire App with the Report a fire function
  • Reporting through the app lets you upload images and can be used without service

Stay up-to-date with the latest wildfire news on:

• BCWildfire.ca
• BC Wildfire Map
• BC Wildfire App: Apple or Android
• Facebook and Instagram
• DriveBC

Category 2 and 3 open fire prohibitions coming into effect across the Cariboo Fire Centre

Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Service:

April 21, 2026

3:40pm

Effective at 12:00 p.m. (noon) PDT on Thursday, 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 be fully extinguished by 12:00 noon on Thursday, April 23 , 2026. The prohibitions will remain in place until 12:00 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: Parks, conservancies and recreation areas. Recreation sites, recreation trails, interpretive forest sites and trail-based recreation areas. Ecological reserves. Wildlife management areas. Private managed forest land. 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.   What is prohibited  A Category 3 open fire is a fire that burns: Material concurrently in three or more piles, each not exceeding 2 metres in height and 3 metres in width. Material in one or more piles each exceeding 2 metres in height or 3 metres in width. One or more windrows each not exceeding 200 metres in length or 15 metres in width. Stubble or grass over an area exceeding 0.2 hectares. A Category 2 open fire is a fire, other than a category 1 campfire, that burns: Material in one pile not exceeding 2 metres in height and 3 metres in width. Material concurrently in two piles each not exceeding 2 metres in height and 3 metres in width. Stubble or grass over an area that does not exceed 0.2 hectares.   What is not prohibited This prohibition does not include Category 1 campfires that are 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide or smaller. Outdoor stoves as defined in the Wildfire Regulation 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

The BCWS YouTube page has a number of informative videos on Open Burning and Category 3 burns including the one linked here.

The BCWS YouTube page has a number of informative videos on Open Burning and Category 2 burns including the one linked here.

Penalties Anyone found in contravention of an open fire prohibition 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 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: Facebook Instagram YouTube BC Wildfire App: available for Apple and Android   Contact Fire Information Officer Cariboo Fire Centre | BC Wildfire Service 778 799-2100 CaFCInfo@gov.bc.ca

Prescribed burn planned for Fox Mountain area (Eider Drive area)

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.

Learn about protecting your health from smoke online: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/wildfire-smoke

Learn more

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.

Follow the latest wildfire news on:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube
• BC Wildfire App: available for Apple and Android

Contact

Fire Information Officer
Cariboo Fire Centre | BC Wildfire Service
778 799-2100
CaFCInfo@gov.bc.ca

Spring Fuel Treatments Planned at Multiple Locations Throughout Williams Lake

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The City of Williams Lake, in partnership with the BC Wildfire Service, will be conducting a series of spring fuel treatments over the coming weeks to reduce wildfire risk and enhance community safety.

These prescribed burns will take place in several areas throughout the city, including:

The water tower hill on Gibbon Street

The park and hillside near Lake City Secondary School’s Williams Lake Campus

The Dairy Fields (forested areas are not included in the burn unit)

The Williams Lake Stampede Grounds

Patrick Reid Park

The exact timing of these burns will depend on weather and ground conditions over the coming weeks. Ignitions will only proceed under suitable conditions that allow smoke to dissipate quickly.

These prescribed burns will help remove flammable materials such as dry grass and debris, reducing fire hazards and promoting healthier ecosystems. The fuel treatments are part of the City’s ongoing FireSmart initiatives to increase wildfire resiliency in the community.

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

In addition to these spring fuel treatments, residents and businesses are encouraged to take FireSmart actions on their properties. When a wildfire is nearby, all of Williams Lake could be threatened by embers. To protect your home or business, create a fuel break around the building by removing anything that can burn within the first 1.5 metres or five feet. For more ways to reduce fire risks, visit firesmartbc.ca.

For questions regarding the prescribed fires, contact firesmart@williamslake.ca or call 250-392-4321.

Prescribed burn planned for Fox Mountain area

From BC Wildfire Service: 

When and where

Burning will begin as early as Tuesday, March 31, continuing periodically until April 24.

The prescribed burn will take place on approximately 40 hectares of land west of Eider Drive on the north side of Fox Mountain Road.

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 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 and mimic a naturally occurring low intensity wildland fire.

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.

Firefighters will closely monitor the 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.

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.

Learn about protecting your health from smoke online: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/wildfire-smoke

Prescribed burn planned along Highway 20/Hanceville Area...

Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Service:

When and where

• Burning is expected to begin as early as Friday, March 27, 2026 and may continue periodically until June 1, 2026 

• The prescribed burns will take place on approximately 20 hectares of land between Hanceville and Chilanko Forks, adjacent to Highway 20.

• 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 from Riske Creek, Tl'esqox, Tŝideldel, Yunesit’in, T’letinqox, Alexis Creek, Highway 20 and surrounding areas.

• Crews will ignite ground fuels 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.

• Firefighters will closely monitor the fire activity at all times during the burn.

• Personnel will remain on-site into the evening to ensure the burns are 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.

Objectives of this prescribed burn

• Reduce wildfire risk along the Highway 20 corridor.

• Reduce fire damage to highway, utility and range infrastructure.

• Use fire to restore grassland and forest health to encourage a properly functioning ecosystem.

• Strengthen collaboration between BC Wildfire Service and local communities outside of emergency response situation.

 

Learn more

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.

BC Wildfire Service prescribed burn planned for Dipping Road

Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Service:

The BC Wildfire Service, in partnership with Williams Lake Community Forest and Williams Lake First Nation, will conduct a prescribed burn approximately 10 kilometres west of Williams Lake on the north side of Highway 20.

When and where

Burning is expected to begin as early as Thursday, January 22, 2026, and continue periodically until Friday, February 13, 2026, as weather permits.
The prescribed burn will cover up to 20 hectares within the Williams Lake Community Forest.
Ignitions will proceed only if conditions are suitable and allow for smoke dissipation.

What to expect

Smoke may be visible from Williams Lake and surrounding areas, and to motorists travelling on Highway 20.
Low-to moderate-intensity spot fires will be lit within pre-established boundaries to remove combustible materials.
Firefighters will closely monitor the fire activity at all times during the burn.
Smoke from within the perimeter of the burn may be visible up to 72 hours after ignition.

Objectives of this prescribed burn

Continuing previous Wildfire Risk Reduction treatments to reduce juniper density and create a more fire resilient forest. This project is a continuation of a relationship with Williams Lake First Nation to grow capacity and knowledge for cultural and prescribed burning.

Learn more

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 http://www.prescribedfire.ca

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.

Contact

Fire Information Officer
Cariboo Fire Centre | BC Wildfire Service
778 799-2100
CaFCInfo@gov.bc.ca

Wildfire Risk Reduction project planned for Pinnel Road

Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Service:

Cariboo Chilcotin Forest District will be working in partnership with Xat'sull Development Corporation to perform a Wildfire Risk Reduction Project along Pinnel Road.

 

When and where: 

Work on this project will start as early as January, 2026 and will continue until March 19, 2026.

The project is located east of Pinnel Road and Mountain House Road and north of Xat'sull First Nation

What to expect

• Piles no larger than two metres by three metres will be created in the first phase of the project.

• The piles will be burned starting as early as January, 2026.

• Crews will ignite piles using hand torches under favourable conditions and will closely monitor all fire activity.

• Burning may occur over multiple days, as weather and site conditions allow.

• Personnel will remain on-site each day to ensure fires are controlled and will only leave once the fires have safely burned down and no longer pose a risk of spreading.

• Fires will continue to be monitored and extinguished once burning is complete.

• Smoke and flames will be visible to surrounding communities as well as motorists on Highway 97.

 

Objectives of this Wildfire Risk Reduction project

• Reduce the wildfire risk in an area near Xat'sull First Nation and surrounding residents.

• Strategically remove fuels, reducing the ability of wildfire to spread from ground to canopy and reducing overall intensity of a potential wildfire.

 

The Ministry of Forests has completed several wildfire risk reduction projects throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin Natural Resource District.

 

Learn more

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 and wildfire risk reduction projects, to help reduce the severity of future wildfires and related threats to communities.

 

As we get further into the cooler weather, you may see smoke in your area from open burningactivities. Open burning can be expected to be seen from the fall through to the spring as the wildfire risk is lower. Overnight recoveries and relative humidities are higher and therefore, not conducive to fires burning or at high risk of spreading throughout this time of year.

 

Contact

Shelly Harnden, RFT

Land and Resource Coordinator

Cariboo Chilcotin Natural Resource District

Phone: 250-706 6276

Email: Shelly.Harnden@gov.bc.ca