Travellers along Highway 20 in March can expect to see flames along the route as BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) prepares to do some prescribed burning.
BCWS will be conducting the burns in partnership with Tsilhqot’in Nation communities, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, BC Parks, Cariboo Chilcotin Regional District and BC Hydro.
BCWS said the operation will be a series of prescribed burns approximately 40 hectares in size along the highway.
“The goal of this prescribed burn is to reduce wildfire hazard to protect infrastructure and prevent uncontrolled fires along the Highway 20 corridor,” stated a release from BCWS.
High risk areas between Lee’s Corner lookout and Chilanko Forks will be the focus of the burns.
Traffic control will be on-site in order to ensure the safety of both drivers and crews.
Burning may begin as early as March 20, 2024, and will continue periodically until May 31, 2024, depending on weather, site and venting conditions.
BCWS said crews will begin ignitions only if conditions are suitable and allow for quick smoke dissipation.
The communities of Tsi Del Del, Yunesit’in, T’letinqox, Alexis Creek, and those travelling and living along Highway 20, may see smoke and flames during operations.
Firefighters will be on site and monitoring the fires.
A factsheet about prescribed burns and ecosystem restoration burns is available online: https://news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/prescribed-burns-reduce-wildfire-risks and Cultural and prescribed fire - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.
READ MORE: Prescribed burn planned for Chimney, Felker Lake rec sites
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