Simpcw First Nation, in partnership with the BC Wildfire Service, is scheduled to begin conducting a prescribed burn project approximately 10 kilometres north of the town of Barriere on March 18. The burning could continue into April.
It is estimated that the project will encompass an area approximately 32 hectares in size. Smoke and flames from the burn could be visible from Highway 5, as well as from the municipality of Barriere and the village of Chu Chua.
Fire chief Ron Lampreau, Jr. of the Chu Chua Volunteer Fire Department says “The Barriere Fire Department has also been invited to assist with this prescribed burn project. This initiative aims to reduce fuel in and around the community, and building these types of relationships prior to an emergency benefits everyone in our region.”
The burning could continue until the end of April, or until such time as the grass becomes too mature to burn.
This prescribed burn will be critical in fire protection for the communities of Chu Chua and Barriere. It will also provide training opportunities for Simpcw First Nation, the Chu Chua Volunteer Fire Department, and the BC Wildfire Service.
