Cultural Burn Underway Near Williams Lake

A cultural burn covering 100 hectares could begin as early as today on Williams Lake First Nation land. The BC Wildfire Service is supporting the planned burn, which is set to take place within WLFN Indian Reserve No. 1, stretching from the cemetery north to Highway 97 and west of Eagleview Drive.
The burn is expected to continue periodically through May 2, but ignitions will only move forward under favourable weather and venting conditions. The goal is to reduce wildfire risk in the area and help restore the health of local forests using traditional Indigenous fire practices.
Smoke will likely be visible from the City of Williams Lake and along Highway 97 over the next week. While fire crews plan to extinguish the perimeter of the burn each day, smoke may linger for up to 48 hours after each ignition.
Residents are advised not to be alarmed by the visible smoke as the operation is carefully monitored and managed.