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Cariboo Fire Centre will conduct prescribed burn near Wildhorse Creek

The prescribed burn is taking place near Highway 97 north of Clinton
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A photo of a BC Wildfire Service officer carrying out a prescribed burn near Penticton. (Photo credit: BC Wildfire Service)

The Cariboo Fire Centre (CAFC) will be conducting a prescribed burn near Wildhorse Creek this month.

According to a release sent out on Tuesday, Oct. 8, the burn will be conducted on 344 hectares of open range near the creek. The area is "approximately 60 kilometres west of Highway 97 and approximately 10 kilometres north of the Big Bar Ferry crossing along the Fraser River, within the 100 Mile House Natural Resource District" and would take place adjacent to the 17,00-hectare Crows Bar Creek prescribed burn which had been completed over the last three years, according to the CAFC.

The CAFC said that the burn will begin as early as Oct. 8 and could continue periodically until Nov. 15. The CAFC adds that the timing of the burn will be dependent on weather, site and vending conditions. They added ignition would only proceed if conditions were suitable and allowed for a quick smoke dissipation. The CAFC noted that smoke may be visible from Clinton and surrounding areas, as well as to motorists travelling south on Highway 97, during these ignitions.

The CAFC's key objectives of the burn are to "reduce the number of live encroachment trees and shrubs (Big Sage)" and "stimulate the growth of native foliage grasses for both domestic and wildlife use." The CFC said that fire is a natural process in many of B.C.'s ecosystems and that BC Wildfire Service works with land managers to undertake fuel management activities (which include prescribed burns) to help reduce the severity of future wildfires and related threats to communities.

"Historically, grasslands in the Cariboo-Chilcotin were renewed and maintained through frequent, low-intensity ground fires. Such fires prevented tree encroachment, rejuvenated understory plants and helped maintain more open grasslands and forests with large trees," the CAFC said. 

The CAFC also is telling people that exposure to smoke from prescribed burning can irritate eyes and respiratory tracts, as well as worsen preexisting lung and heart conditions. If an area is affected by smoke the CAFC advises people to run portable air-cleaners with windows and doors closed, reduce the length and intensity of outdoor activities, and manage pre-existing conditions, as well as seek medical care if they have severe symptoms.

Anyone looking for information on prescribed burning or how to protect their health from smoke is invited to visit prescribedfire.ca or www.bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/wildfire-smoke respectively. 

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or other burning complaint the public can contact the CAFC at 1-800-663-555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.