Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Service: The BC Wildfire Service will be working in partnership with Williams Lake Community Forest and Williams Lake First Nation to conduct a prescribed burn approximately 10 kilometres west of Williams Lake beside the Fraser River. The prescribed burn will cover approximately 40 hectares within the Williams Lake Community Forest. Burning is expected to begin March 30, 2024, and continue periodically until April 4, 2024. Ignitions will proceed if conditions are suitable and allow for quick smoke dissipation. Smoke will be visible from Williams Lake and surrounding areas and to motorists travelling on Highway 20. This burn is the continuation of a spacing treatment that was previously completed to reduce stand density and create a more open and fire-resilient forest. A low- to moderate-intensity surface fire will be lit within pre-established boundaries to remove combustible materials and mimic a naturally occurring ground fire. The objective of the prescribed burn is to consume ground fuel and promote the growth of local plant species while reducing wildfire risk. The BC Wildfire Service will be working on-site to prepare, control and monitor the fire. This project is a continuation of a relationship with Williams Lake First Nation to increase capacity and knowledge in cultural and prescribed burning Learn More A factsheet about prescribed burns and ecosystem restoration burns is available online: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/vegetation-and-fuel-management/prescribed-burning 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 For more information, please contact: BC Wildfire Service Fire Information Officer Cariboo Fire Centre 778 799-2100