A prescribed burn is being planned at the BC Wildfire Service’s Puntzi Forward Attack Base, between May 2 and May 11, 2018, to reduce wildfire risks and prevent the encroachment of trees that could pose a hazard to aircraft.

The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development will conduct the burn, which will cover about 20 hectares alongside the Puntzi Airstrip, about 140 kilometres west of Williams Lake. Smoke may be visible from nearby communities.

The decision on when to proceed with this intentionally lit fire will depend on weather and site conditions. It will only proceed when conditions are suitable and will allow for quick smoke dissipation.

Cariboo Fire Centre crews will carefully monitor the fire at all times and ensure that it is fully extinguished. A certified burn boss is responsible for ensuring that the initial burn conditions are favourable and that the fire is extinguished once the burn is completed.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone. For up-to-date information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, call 1 888 3-FOREST, or visit: http://www.bcwildfire.ca

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Learn More:

More information about prescribed burns is available online at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/prescribed-burning

A factsheet about prescribed burns and ecosystem recreation burns is available online at: http://ow.ly/E8Ue30br7OY