BC Wildfire Service is collaborating with Nak’azdli Whut’en to conduct a prescribed burn along the west shore of Stuart Lake within the town site of Fort St. James. The provincial agency said the controlled burn is to mitigate wildfire hazards and enhance community safety.
The area will cover three primary burn sites spanning approximately 8.5 hectares and is highlighted in the map.
The timing of the burn is contingent on prevailing weather and site conditions, potentially commencing as early as Wednesday, April 24, 2024.
Residents in proximity to the burn areas may experience smoke, visible to motorists along Highway 27 and surrounding locales. Though efforts will be made to minimize smoke impacts, residual smoke may persist, particularly the morning following burn operations. Despite precautions, unintended smoke effects remain a possibility.
Key objectives of this prescribed burn include enhancing community protection and mitigating wildfire risk, and providing cross training opportunities for Fort St. James Fire and Rescue and members of Nak’azdli Whut’en First Nation.
The BC Wildfire Service routinely partners with various stakeholders to execute fuel management strategies, including prescribed burns, to diminish future wildfire severity and safeguard communities.
Further information on prescribed burning is available online.
Controlled burns are also taking place in neighbouring areas such as Vanderhoof to mitigate wildfire risks.
In northern B.C. an evacuation alert – Endako Wildfire – has already been issued in the VanJam fire zone, signalling a start to wildfire season in the area.
READ MORE: Evacuation Alert issued for Endako wildfire in the VanJam fire zone