KAMLOOPS – The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations is planning to conduct five prescribed burns in the Lillooet Fire Zone. These controlled burns are scheduled to start on March 7, 2016, and conclude by April 25, 2016.

The exact timing of the burns will depend on weather and site conditions. They will proceed only if fire behaviour conditions are suitable and will allow for quick smoke dissipation and low to moderate fire intensity.

The burns will reduce wildfire risks for residents in nearby areas, while helping to restore elk habitat. Smoke will be visible from the Village of Lytton, the Gladwin community, Kumsheen Rafting Resort, Skuppah First Nation, Siska First Nation, Highway 1 and Highway 12.

Trained wildfire crews will carefully monitor these controlled fires:

* The 11.8-hectare Mill Burn is planned to take place 2.5 kilometres south of Lytton.

* The Spencer Road burn will cover 14.3 hectares west of the Fraser River and the Village of Lytton.

* The BC Wildfire Service is working with the Village of Lytton to conduct a 2.6-hectare controlled burn next to Kumsheen Secondary school.

* The 21.3-hectare Loring Way burn is planned to take place 2.8 kilometres south of Lytton and east of Highway 1.

* The 36.9-hectare Kumsheen Rafting Resort burn is planned to take place 3.5 kilometres northeast of the Village of Lytton, adjacent to Highway 1 and across from Kumsheen Rafting Resort.

The goal of these burns is to mimic naturally occurring ground fires and reduce the level of dead and combustible material in grassland and open forest areas. Removal of these forest fuels helps reduce the threat of interface wildfires. Fire can also discourage insect infestations and help fire-adapted plant species reproduce.