BCWS to conduct prescribed burn in Tumbler Ridge

TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. — BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) says it will be conducting a prescribed burn in Tumbler Ridge on May 14th, 2026.

BCWS said in a release on May 12th a prescribed burn will take place within the community and will cover up to 16 hectares. 

The location of the burn unit will be northwest of Highway 29 and north of Flatbed Creek, near Lions Flatbed Creek Campground, according to BCWS.

Trails in the area will be closed during the prescribed burn for public safety. 

Crews are in the process of establishing control lines, assessing burn conditions and mitigating hazards, including danger trees, BCWS said. 

A danger tree is a tree considered a hazard to a worker due to its location, lean, physical damage, overhead conditions, or deterioration of limbs, stem, or root system. 

According to BCWS, the burn could begin May 14th, but the exact timing depends on weather and site conditions. 

As long as conditions are suitable and allow for smoke dispersal, the burning will proceed.

Smoke from the burn may linger in the days following the burn, BCWS said.   

According to the release, the goals of the burn are:

• To reduce the buildup of dead and combustible material
• Reduce the long-term risk of a wildfire by removing forest fuels
• Biodiversity enhancement 

For more information on prescribed fires, visit the Wildfire Service website or prescribedfire.ca.

Residents can call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 to report a wildfire, unattended campfire or an open burning violation. 

Up-to-date information on wildfire activity, restrictions on burning, road closures and air quality advisories can be found online.