BCWS to carry out controlled burns southwest of Merritt

The BC Wildfire Service is partnering with the Lower Nicola Indian Band and the Coldwater Indian Band to conduct cultural prescribed burns near Merritt that could begin around March 2, treating 50 hectares with LNIB and 35 hectares on Coldwater IR #1.

The BC Wildfire Service is planning cultural prescribed burns in the Merritt area in partnership with two First Nations. The operations build on previous years of burning and are intended to reduce future wildfire severity and support traditional plant regrowth. Work is scheduled to start around March 2 if conditions allow. Smoke from the burns may be visible in nearby communities and along regional highways. Planned operations: - BCWS and the Lower Nicola Indian Band will carry out a 50-hectare cultural burn about six kilometres west of Merritt, adding to past treatments that together will total 249 hectares when this project is finished. - BCWS will support the Coldwater Indian Band on multiple sites at Coldwater IR #1 for a 35-hectare burn, completing a 65-hectare project in that area. - Burns are scheduled to begin around March 2 and will proceed only under suitable weather and smoke-dispersal conditions; smoke may also linger for days afterward. - Visible smoke could affect Merritt, Lower Nicola, surrounding areas, and travellers on Highway 8, Highway 5 (Coquihalla), Highway 5A, and the Okanagan Connector. - Stated goals of the prescribed burns include reducing build-up of dead combustible material, improving winter grazing, removing forest fuels, encouraging regrowth of traditional foods and plants, and providing cross-training opportunities between BCWS and partner communities. Summary: These controlled cultural burns are intended to lower long-term wildfire severity while supporting ecosystem and cultural benefits near Merritt. The projects are planned to begin around March 2 if weather and smoke conditions are suitable. Observers may notice smoke during operations and possibly in the days that follow.