BC Wildfire Service crews plan to burn piles of woody debris near Williams Lake over the next six weeks to reduce wildfire risks in the area.

Smoke and flames may be visible from Williams Lake and surrounding communities.

Firefighters could start igniting the piles as early as Monday, March 25, 2019, and end as late as April 30, 2019, depending on weather and site conditions. BC Wildfire Service personnel will be on-site with firefighting equipment to monitor and control these burns at all times.

This work is part of ongoing fuel management projects. Cariboo Fire Centre crews have already piled up the accumulated debris in the two locations listed below. By removing this material, less fuel will be available to burn in the event of a wildfire and any such fire will burn with less intensity.

Fox Mountain:

• This treatment covers about 20.4 hectares north of the Fox Mountain subdivision, north of Gannett Road and Pheasant Drive.

Airport Road:

• This treatment covers about three hectares south of Williams Lake Regional Airport, southeast of the junction of Radio Range Road and Airport Road.

These piles will only be lit if conditions are suitable and allow for quick smoke dissipation. Category 3 open fires must comply with the Environmental Management Act and the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation. This helps minimize the amount of smoke generated.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone. For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit: www.bcwildfire.ca

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