Líl̓wat Forestry Ventures to Lead Cultural Burn This Fall

in the Xet̓ólacw community of Mount Currie

Mount Currie, B.C. – Líl̓wat Forestry Ventures (LFV), in collaboration with the Líl̓wat Nation and with support from BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), will be conducting a cultural burn this fall in an area adjacent to the Xet̓ólacw community of Mount Currie, approximately 16 km northeast of Pemberton. This controlled application of fire into the landscape aims to reduce the long-term risk of future wildfires, promote and reinvigorate a long-held traditional practice for the Nation, enhance wildlife habitat, and stimulate the growth and occurrence of culturally important plants.

“We’re proud to support this cultural burn which combines traditional Indigenous knowledge with modern fire management practices. It will help protect our community from future wildfires while also restoring the landscape, bringing back berries and mushrooms over the next two to five years. That renewal will benefit not just us, but also local wildlife like deer and bears,” said Fire Chief Marshall Ritchie. “Through close coordination with all partners, as well as an open line of communication with the Pemberton Fire Department and the Líl̓wat Nation Volunteer Fire Department, we’ve worked to ensure the burn is carried out safely and effectively. Our hope is that younger generations will witness the benefits of cultural burning and be inspired to continue this important work in the future for the health of our forests.”

LFV will focus on Burn Unit 1 this fall, which covers approximately 13.7 hectares. The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions but could begin as early as mid-late September.

“This unit is a manageable size that will be used as a training ground for our Líl̓wat Forestry Ventures staff to work alongside BC Wildfire Service. This fall, we plan on carrying out cultural burns not only on the Indian Reserve, but also in the Joffre area and further up the Pemberton Valley – weather permitting, of course,” explained Chris Thevarge, Forestry Technician with LFV.

LFV has been coordinating the use of controlled burns in the forest fuel treatments with BCWS, Líl̓wat Nation, Mount Currie/Pemberton/Biken/Pemberton Meadows Fire Departments, the Ministry of Forests, Ministry of Transportation, and Miller Capilano Highway Services. The Pemberton Fire Base Station will be used for long-range forecasting due to the proximity to the treatment area. On-site readings will be taken for relative humidity, temperature, and wind, and burning will only proceed if conditions are suitable and allow for smoke dispersal during burn operations. However, smoke may linger following the burn.

“While every effort will be made to limit smoke impacts to surrounding communities, some smoke is expected and may persist for one to two days after the burn. Smoke may be visible from Xet̓ólacw, Owl Ridge, Pemberton, and surrounding areas, as well as to motorists travelling along Highway 99/Duffey Lake Road,” noted Alexandra Pogue, Wildfire Prevention Officer at BCWS.

Extensive planning has gone into ensuring the safety of both community members and workers. A Field Safety Plan (FSP) will be completed prior to the burn, filed with the Coastal Fire Centre Dispatch and included in the Incident Action Plan or Prescribed Fire Field Book distributed to all staff.

“The safety plan will include discussion of on-site hazards and mitigation strategies, medical procedures and transport plan, and other necessary measures to address the safety of burn personnel,” added Thevarge.

To ensure public safety, access control measures such as signage will be required on the Xet̓ólacw Road if any tree falling activities may impact the roadway. Signs will also be set up on either side of the burn area to alert the public to the prescribed fire and the presence of workers.

Additionally, the bypass road above the community will be monitored and blocked on either end to limit unauthorized access to the project area. Should an unexpected change in fire behaviour occur, evacuation procedures will follow the Líl̓wat First Nation’s Emergency Response Plan.

“Cultural burning is a practice that has existed since time immemorial. It is a vital practice that helps strengthen ecosystems, nurture the land, and support the growth of important plants for our community. Our ongoing collaboration with BC Wildfire Service has been key to bringing this traditional knowledge back to the territory over the last few years,” said Jordon Gabriel, Community Relations & Forestry Manager with LFV. “We are proud to be leading this work on our traditional territory and look forward to seeing the results in years to come that will enhance our forests’ resilience and benefit future generations.”

For additional information on the cultural burn or on Líl̓wat Forestry Ventures, contact:

Valeria Molina, Communications Liaison, valeria@amplifyinc.ca | 250.879.3006

About Líl̓wat Forestry Ventures

Líl̓wat Forestry Ventures (LFV) is an integrated forest management company engaged in a diversity of forestry disciplines including forestry management, wildland firefighting and fuels management, silviculture, and specialized tasks like BC Hydro slashing and tree climbing (arborist). https://lilwatbusiness.ca/ourdivisions/forestry-ventures/

Photo credits: Líl’wat Forestry Ventures.