Image: Derrick Kramer / Heavy equipment is pictured in this image from Post Creek resident Derrick Kramer, who says he's thrilled to see progress on a plan by the provincial government to reduce wildfire risks in and around Post Creek, a subdivision located west of Chilliwack Lake. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Chilliwack River Valley

Chilliwack River Valley resident thrilled to see progress on wildfire risk reduction plan surrounding Post Creek

Jan 14, 2025 | 10:12 AM

CHILLIWACK — Chilliwack River Valley resident Derrick Kramer says he and his fellow neighbours are thrilled to see progress on a plan by the provincial government to reduce wildfire risks in and around Post Creek, a subdivision located west of Chilliwack Lake.

According to a statement from the province, the B.C. Ministry of Forests has been working on two projects in the Chilliwack River Valley. One consists of operational fuel reduction treatment around Post Creek, and a wildland urban interface wildfire risk reduction plan for provincial Crown land around Chilliwack, Cultus Lake and the Chilliwack River Valley.

A Ministry of Forests spokesperson told Fraser Valley Today the operational fuel reduction treatment adjacent to Post Creek is a continuation of a multi-phase project for the area. Phase 1 of the project involves the completion of a fuel management prescription that occurred in 2022, describing the site conditions and fuel treatment specifications that are required to achieve desired fire behaviour outcomes, like reducing fire potential and intensity.

Image: Derrick Kramer / An active tree falling area near Post Creek, as shown in this picture from Derrick Kramer.

Phase 2 of the project, which is currently underway, entails conducting the fuel reduction treatment as laid out in the prescribed plan. Crews will be tasked with thinning existing lumber, removing surface fuels, and removing ladder fuels within the project area. The Ministry of Forests says the fuel prescription primarily retains the larger diameter trees, since they contribute to biodiversity and wildlife use, and proposes the removal of smaller diameter timber. This work is ongoing and will continue through to 2026.

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“The risk of fire is a very serious matter for us. With only one way in and out, we’ve been on edge for two years since the forest was marked for this project,” Kramer said. “Despite the delay in getting the program started, we’re relieved to see progress, particularly after witnessing the devastating fires in California. While I believe more can be done sooner, government funding is often a limiting factor. The residents of Post Creek are thrilled to see any progress. It’s a start, and any assistance or help will be a welcome relief for the residents.”

Kramer provided a map showing the Chilliwack Post Creek Wildfire Reduction Risk Project area, depicting wide swaths of land where the treatment work has happened, as well as fuel breaks and critical habitat.

Image: Contributed / Chilliwack Post Creek Wildfire Reduction Risk Project area.

The Ministry of Forests says the third phase involves site monitoring and retreating as required.

“The wildfire risk reduction plan for Provincial Crown land around Chilliwack, Cultus Lake, and the Chilliwack River Valley will provide provincial land managers with information relating to wildfire threat and risk within the project area, effectively guiding the location, priority, and development of fuel management projects on Provincial Crown land,” a Ministry of Forests spokesperson told Fraser Valley in an email. “Planning is underway and expected to be completed over the next year.”