The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations is planning to conduct three prescribed burns in the Lillooet Fire Zone. These controlled burns are scheduled to start on Wednesday, March 25 and conclude by Friday, April 3, 2015.

The exact timing of the burns will depend on weather and site conditions. They will proceed only if fire behaviour conditions are suitable and will allow for quick smoke dissipation and low to moderate fire intensity.

• A 7.6-hectare controlled burn is planned above the Loring Way subdivision east of Lytton. The Wildfire Management Branch is working with the Nlaka’pamux Nation Tribal Council, the Village of Lytton, Skuppah First Nations, Lytton First Nations and the Cascades Forest District. Smoke will be visible around the Village of Lytton and Highway 1.
• The Skihist Park controlled burn will cover six hectares about eight kilometres east of Lytton. This is a partnership project between BC Parks and the Wildfire Management Branch to restore local ecosystems and reduce wildfire risks for residents of nearby interface areas. Smoke will be visible along Highway 1.
• The Wildfire Management Branch is working with Lytton First Nations to conduct a 33-hectare ecosystem restoration burn northwest of Lytton and west of Highway 12. This burn will be visible from the Village of Lytton and from Highway 12 and Highway 1.

Trained wildfire crews will carefully monitor the fire and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will be monitoring the progress of the burn and assisting with the project to ensure public safety along the main highways in these areas.

The goal of these burns is to mimic naturally occurring ground fires and reduce the level of dead and combustible material in grassland and open forest areas. Removal of these forest fuels helps reduce the threat of interface wildfires. Fire can also discourage insect infestations and help fire-adapted plant species reproduce.

Media Contacts:

Kayla Pepper
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Kamloops Fire Centre
250 554-5532