(Image Credit: CFJC/File photo)

By Elora McCormack

Cultural Burn

Cultural burn planned near Cache Creek

Mar 23, 2026 | 4:17 PM

CACHE CREEK, B.C. — The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) is supporting the Thompson Rivers Natural Resource District and Bonaparte First Nation in a 40-hectare cultural burn in the Upper Hat Creek Valley.

The burn, about 15 kilometres west of Cache Creek, could spark as early as Friday (March 27), depending on weather conditions.

The Harry Lake Grasslands cultural burn is part of a multi-year project to revitalize cultural burning by Bonaparte (St’uxwtews) First Nation and restore ecosystem health.

The BCWS said the burn also aims to research initiatives being undertaken by the University of British Columbia into prescribed fire in the area.

“Fire is a normal and natural process in many of B.C.’s ecosystems,” said the BCWS.

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“The BC Wildfire Service works regularly with a range of partners to undertake fuel management activities (including the use of controlled burns), to help reduce the severity of future wildfires and related threats to communities.”

Smoke may be visible from Pavilion, Cache Creek, Bonaparte, Ts’kw’aylaxw, surrounding areas and Highways 97 and 99.

“Burning will proceed if conditions are suitable and allow for smoke dispersal during burn operations, though smoke may also linger in the following days,” said the BCWS.