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.

Prescribed burn planned in 100 Mile House

Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Service/Cariboo Fire Centre:

The 100 Mile House Fire Department, with support from the BC Wildfire Service, plan to conduct a prescribed burn west of 100 Mile House to help reduce wildfire threats.   When and where The burn will cover approximately 19 hectares in the Exeter area. Preparation work that includes small scale fire ignitions to create control lines may start as early as April 8. The primary burn may begin as early as April 9 and continue periodically until April 30. Ignitions will only proceed if conditions are suitable and allow for smoke dispersal during burn operations, though smoke may also linger in the following days.   What to expect Smoke and flames will be visible from 100 Mile House, surrounding communities and motorists on Highway 97. Crews will ignite ground fuels to remove combustible materials. The perimeter of the burn will be extinguished at the end of each day. Smoke from within the perimeter may remain visible up to 48 hours after ignition. Firefighters will remain on-site to monitor conditions into the evening.   Objectives of the prescribed burn Reduce wildfire risk within the 100 Mile House municipal boundaries. Use fire to restore grassland and forest health to encourage a properly functioning ecosystem. Strengthen collaboration between BC Wildfire Service and local firefighters 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.   To report a wildfire, dial *5555 on a cell phone or call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free. To report an unattended campfire or open burning violation, call the RAPP line on 1 877 952-7277. You can also use the Report function in the BC Wildfire App to report a wildfire. Reporting though the app let's you upload images and can be used without service. 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 X (formerly Twitter) BC Wildfire App: available for Apple and Android

Contacts David Bissat Fire Chief; District of 100 Mile House 250 395-2152 dbissat@100milehouse.com www.100milefire.com   Fire Information Officer BC Wildfire Service Cariboo Fire Centre 778 799-2100 CaFCInfo@gov.bc.ca Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect

Pile burning planned for Wildfire Risk Reduction project on Fox Mountain

Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Service:

BC Wildfire Service in collaboration with Borland Creek Logging Ltd will be conducting pile burning on Fox Mountain as part of a Wildfire Risk Reduction project.

 

Completion of this 23 hectare project will help reduce the wildfire hazard near Williams Lake and restore grown-in Interior Douglas-fir stands to a natural and more desirable state. The scope of this project includes the removal of surface and ladder fuels, as well as pruning and thinning the existing stand to create crown separation and reduce the risk of a high-intensity crown fire.

 

Pile Burning may happen as early as Nov 1, 2024, and continue periodically 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 for motorists traveling on Highway 97 and from the south side of Williams Lake.

 

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)

 

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

 

You can follow the latest wildfire news:

• on the free BC Wildfire Service public mobile app, available for Apple (iOS) and Android devices
• on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
• on Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

 

Shelly Harnden, RFT – Contract Manager

Land and Resource Coordinator

Cariboo-Chilcotin Forest District

Phone: 250-706-6276

Email: Shelly.Harnden@gov.bc.ca

Wildfire Risk Reduction project planned above Comer Hill Estates MHP

From the BC Wildfire Service:

BC Borland Creek Logging Ltd and BC Wildfire Service will be conducting a fuel management project above Comer Hill Estates Mobile Home Park and along the North side of Soda Creek Road.

Completion of this 15.3 hectare project will help reduce the wildfire hazard near Williams Lake and restore grown-in Interior Douglas-fir stands to a natural and more desirable state. The scope of this project includes the removal of surface and ladder fuels, as well as pruning and thinning the existing stand to create crown separation and reduce the risk of a high-intensity crown fire.

Burning may start as early as Nov 1, 2024 and continue periodically 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 from Soda Creek Rd, Mackenzie Ave, and the community of Williams Lake.

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)

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

Are You FireSmart?

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Editor's Note -- this week's Quesnel City Council column is written by Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson.  He can be reached via email here

While it’s been a very cool spring, it has, until the past few days, been very dry. May’s rains, as inconvenient as they may be for those wanting to play outdoors, are needed to help mitigate against what was shaping up to be a potentially dangerous wildfire season. 

While over the past few years our region has been relatively quiet on the wildfire front, that doesn’t mean we’ve put our wildfire prevention efforts on the back burner. On the contrary, our Forestry Initiatives Program has been actively carrying out fuel treatments on the Crown forests in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) zone around the City. 

One of these treatments is now a community trail network that is actively used by residents all year round and is a perfect place to go for a walk, jog, or bike ride and learn more about forest fuel treatments. These trails are located on the old Prince George highway adjacent to the airport; youtu.be/_xWzd-oH3JI

The City of Quesnel is responsible for creating and implementing a comprehensive Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) that identifies areas in the WUI that need these fuel management treatments. The City’s CWPP has also identified that the largest portion of the land base in the CWPP area is private land, not crown forest. 

The private land in the WUI also needs to be managed through the lens of wildfire prevention. As such, the City’s Forestry Initiatives Program supports the implementation of the FireSmart program throughout the City … and May is FireSmart month!

FireSmart is a program designed specifically to assist homeowners to conduct a wildfire risk assessment of their property and undertake a treatment plan to reduce that risk and give firefighters the best possible chance to defend and protect their property and the community.

Homeowners can take simple steps this spring to FireSmart their property by:

• cleaning all combustible material from their roof and gutters;
• pruning low branches of coniferous trees (evergreens) to create a two-meter clearance from the ground (removing “ladder fuels”);
• ensuring woodpiles are stored away from the home;
• cleaning underneath decks to remove combustible materials;
• cleaning up any brush piles, fallen branches, and standing dead trees; and,
• ensuring a minimum of 1.5 metres of non-combustible surface (mineral soil, rocks, bricks etc.) extends around their entire home and any attachments, such as decks.

You can learn more about the City’s FireSmart program and planned activities on our Forestry Initiatives Program.

The City’s FireSmart implementation effort involves citywide education and support and a concentrated neighbourhood by neighbourhood campaign. For the next few years, the neighbourhood program will be focused on South Hills. 

A specialist contractor has been retained to assist South Hills residents to conduct assessments and FireSmart on their property. The City’s goal is to assist South Hills, or portions of this neighbourhood, to achieve designation under the “FireSmart Canada Neighbourhood Recognition Program.” A rebate program is also available to assist homeowners with some of the costs associated with fire-smarting their property.

For more information on the South Hills Neighbourhood FireSmart program please contact Ted Traer at firesmart@quesnel.ca.

We will all need to do our part to ensure Quesnel is prepared for the next and future wildfire seasons, the City is actively engaged in this mitigation work and is also providing the knowledge and tools for all homeowners to actively participate in this effort too. Let’s roll up our sleeves together and become a FireSmart community.

May 2022 is "FireSmart Month" in the City of Quesnel

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

This month the City of Quesnel’s Forestry Initiatives Program is encouraging residents to participate in FireSmart Awareness Month.

FireSmart Awareness Month is designed to bring awareness and highlight the importance of FireSmart-ing homes and properties. The FireSmart Program helps property owners reduce the risk of wildfire damage to their homes and property as well as their surrounding neighbours. It’s essential to be proactive in reducing the risk of wildfire damage to property. Whether doing regular yard maintenance or making large-scale changes during renovations or landscaping, residents can make choices that will help protect their homes from wildfire.

During the month of May, residents can enter for a chance to win a $100 gift card to a local business by visiting one of our information booths and learning about FireSmart. You can find us at the Arts and Recreation Centre; Quesnel Farmer’s Market on May 7 and May 14; the Quesnel Outdoor Tradeshow on May 28; and various other locations around town. 

Back by popular demand is the FireSmart Kids Colouring Contest! Last year we had 220 entries – let’s see if we can beat that in 2022! Kids 13 and under can enter their colouring page for a chance to win a Summer fun & FireSmart kit. Stop by one of our info booths, or download a colouring page from www.quesnel.ca/firesmart. Submit your entry to the drop box at City Hall front desk or take a photo and email it to firesmart@quesnel.ca by May 31. Winners will be announced in June and prizes will be available for pick up at City Hall.

The City’s Forest Initiatives Program was created to address the multiple challenges facing our community - mainly protecting our communities from wildfire. Learn more: www.quesnel.ca/forestry-initiatives-program

Subscribe to the Forestry Initiatives Program email list to stay up-to-date on the latest news, events, and initiatives www.quesnel.ca/subscribe

Learn More:
FireSmart Home Development Guide - https://bit.ly/3vQJQ0K
FireSmart Guide to Landscaping - https://bit.ly/2WLodgP
FireSmart Begins at Home Manual - https://bit.ly/35PKluz

Cariboo RD's FireSmart Wood Waste Disposal Program Extended

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

Although the Canadian Red Cross Services (CRCS) funded FireSmart wood waste disposal program wrapped up in November of last year; the Cariboo Regional District will continue to accept fire smart generated wood waste at no charge. The CRD’s CRCS funded fire smart program was launched in June of 2018, in response to the 2017 wildfires. By alleviating tipping fees associated with wood waste disposal the program sought to encourage homeowners to clear brush and woody debris that could fuel a wildfire. The program was well received, with record amounts of brush and tree debris managed at CRD refuse sites, but continued CRCS funding is no longer available.

Due to the popularity of the program and the potential for ongoing risk of wildfires in coming years, the CRD will continue to accept woody debris generated from fire smart activities on residential private properties, at no charge to individuals. The associated wood waste processing costs will be paid for through existing property taxation revenue instead of tipping fees. The updated program will go into effect immediately.

Residents should be aware that the program does not apply to slash and wood waste generated from logging private property or land clearing for property development. Tipping fees will apply for all wood waste loads delivered by commercial vehicles. If commercial vehicles, such as dump trucks, will be used to deliver fire smart wood waste, arrangements must be made with the CRD in advance of disposal by calling 1-800-665-1636 and speaking with the Environmental Services Department. To learn more about FireSmart download the program booklet (PDF).

When dropping off FireSmart wood waste at CRD refuse sites, please remember; wood loads must be free of dirt, rocks, metals, plastics, and other garbage. Fines apply to contaminated loads. Grass clippings, leaves, and tree needles will also be accepted but must be separated from woody debris. Before unloading, please let the scale or site attendant know your load is from fire smart activities.