The Boothroyd Indian Band, with the assistance of the BC Wildfire Service (BWS), will be conducting a cultural burn in the Fraser Zone of the Coastal Fire Centre.
Taking place approximately 1 kilometre north of the Boothroyd Indian Band, on Indian reserve land, the burn is expected to start on Thursday (May 2) though this is also dependent on “weather and site conditions.” Like previous cultural burns done by the band, the goal of the event is to “restore and improve plants used for traditional food and medicines.” It is also being done to help get rid of invasive species that may hinder the growth of native plant species while also reducing the risk of future wildfires.
“This is a valuable cross-training opportunity for BC Wildfire Service to work with Boothroyd’s Initial Response crew,” said BWS in a press release. “And this plan has been developed under the guidance and support of the Boothroyd Chief and Council.
“The Boothroyd cultural burn will re-introduce fire for cultural purposes in areas where the community has a vested interest. This area has been burnt in the past (in 2003) by the Boothroyd Band, and this cultural burn will maintain the occurrence of traditional fire practice on the landscape.”
According to BWS, the fire — which will proceed if all conditions are suitable and allows for smoke dispersal — will cover 14 hectares of land. Smoke may be visible to motorists and residents of the area, particularly in the morning after burning takes place. BWS also said that smoke impacts may unintentionally happen despite precautions.
Last year in May, BWS assisted Boothroyd with a cultural burn that took place in an area along Blue Lake, northwest of the Boston Bar Airport. That burn, which went well, covered 45 hectares of land.
“Fire is a normal and natural process in many of B.C.’s ecosystems,” BWS said. “The BC Wildfire Service works regularly with First Nations and other land managers to undertake fuel management activities (including the use of cultural and prescribed fire), to help reduce the severity of future wildfires and related threats to communities.”
To learn more about the burning, people can visit prescribedfire.ca.
The public is also encouraged to report any wildfires, unattended fires, or open burning violations, by calling 1-800-663-555 or texting *5555.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.
The information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air-quality advisories, can also be found at bcwildfire.ca. News can also be found on X (formerly twitter) at twitter.come/BCGovFireInfo and on Facebook at facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo .
READ MORE: Boothroyd Indian Band conducting cultural burn northwest from Boston Bar Airport on May 8
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