PENTICTON - The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) will be supporting the Okanagan Shuswap Natural Resource District in a Wildfire Risk Reduction project that started in 2023 and covers a total of 87 hectares. Fuel treatments for a portion of this project were completed in 2025, which included thinning, pruning, surface fuel clean up and pile burning. BCWS staff will be conducting a prescribed burn that covers up to 28 hectares where these treatments have been completed. This is the first prescribed burn that is part of the ongoing Wildfire Risk Reduction project for this area, with additional burns possible in the future and ongoing fuel treatments underway. The project is located about seven kilometres west of Summerland, near the community of Faulder, along Fish Lake Road.

Key goals of this prescribed burn include:

• wildfire risk reduction
• helping to restore forest health and a properly functioning ecosystem
• removing forest fuels to reduce the long-term risk of wildfire and enhancing community protection

Smoke may be visible from Summerland, the community of Faulder, surrounding areas and to motorists travelling along Highway 97.

The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions, but it could begin as early as Monday, April 27. Burning will proceed if conditions are suitable and allow for smoke dispersal during burn operations, though smoke may also linger in the following days.

The Cultural Burning and Prescribed Fire Youtube is an excellent resource to learn more about prescribed and cultural fire.

Fire is a normal and natural process in many of B.C.'s ecosystems. BCWS works regularly with a range of partners to undertake fuel management activities (including the use of controlled burns), to help reduce the severity of future wildfires and related threats to communities. These projects are carefully planned and only go ahead at the right times and under the right conditions to ensure community and practitioner safety.

Visit the BC Wildfire Service Cultural and prescribed fire webpage for more information.

Exposure to smoke can irritate eyes and respiratory tracts and worsen pre-existing lung and heart conditions. If your area is impacted by smoke:

• Run portable air cleaners with windows and doors closed. Both commercial and home-made units (https://rb.gy/90uh5s) can be effective if operated properly.
• Reduce the length and intensity of outdoor activities.
• Manage pre-existing conditions and seek medical care if you have severe symptoms.

Learn more about protecting health from smoke online: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/wildfire-smoke.

You can follow the latest wildfire news on:

• the free BC Wildfire Service app, available for Apple (iOS) and Android devices

Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

Contact:

David Kirkup
Land and Resource Coordinator - Wildfire Risk Reduction
Okanagan Shuswap Natural Resource District
250 558-1700
[email protected]

James Pepper
Natural Resources Director
Penticton Indian Band
250-492-0411
[email protected]

Fire Information Officer
BC Wildfire Service
Kamloops Fire Centre
250-554-5965
[email protected]

Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect.