File photo (Image credit: CFJC Today).

By Aaron Schulze

Prescribed Burns

Prescribed burns planned for Salmon Arm base and Williams Lake Community Forest

Feb 26, 2025 | 7:04 AM

UPDATE (9:50 a.m.): BC Wildfire Service crews will help the Shackan Indian Band carry out a 75-hectare prescribed burn nearly 35 kilometres west of Merritt.

The wildfire service says the timing of the burn depends on weather and site conditions, but it could begin as early as Monday.

Smoke may be visible to surrounding communities and drivers travelling along Highway 8.

EARLIER: WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. — Prescribed burns will be ramping up in B.C.’s interior.

In the Shuswap, the BC Wildfire Service says it will carry out a pile burning project within the City of Salmon Arm.

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In a news release issued Tuesday (Feb. 25), the wildfire service says crews will burn nearly 10 piles around Rappel Base to clean up and reduce wildfire hazards such as dead wood and brush.

Smoke may be visible from Salmon Arm and the surrounding area. The burn may begin as early as Friday (Feb. 28), depending on weather and site conditions, and last until the middle of April.

Further north, in a partnership with the Williams Lake Community Forest and Williams Lake First Nation, the wildfire service says crews will carry out a prescribed burn nearly 10 kilometres west of Williams Lake – north of Highway 20, beside the Fraser River.

The burn will cover 29 hectares within Williams Lake Community Forest. The wildfire service says it could begin as early as Thursday (Feb. 27) and continue periodically until Sunday (March 2). Smoke may be visible from Williams Lake and area and along Highway 20.

“This burn is a Wildfire Risk Reduction treatment to reduce juniper density and create a more fire resilient forest. Taking advantage of pre season conditions, low-to moderate-intensity spot fires will be lit within pre-established boundaries to remove combustible material,” the wildfire service states.

Residents can report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation by calling *5555 on a cell phone or through the BC Wildfire Service app.