Image: B.C. Wildfire Service / The burn would be one of 88 planned across B.C. this year.

By Alyssa Conti

PRESCRIBED BURN

BC Wildfire to support controlled burn near Merritt in March

Feb 21, 2025 | 4:08 PM

MERRITT— Residents in Merritt and surrounding areas may see a slight haze in their vision starting next month–

The BC Wildfire Service will soon be supporting a prescribed burn in the Nooaitch Indian Band area, roughly 20 kilometres west of Meritt.

The burn will cover up to 29 hectares on the Nooaitch IR #9 and #10, leading to visible smoke around the community, the City of Merritt, Lower Nicola, and drivers along Highway 8.

In a news release today (Feb. 21), BC Wildfire said its key goals for the prescribed burn are to:

• Reduce dead grass build-up and promote traditional food growth,
• Improve winter animal grazing, and
• Remove forest fuels, which could reduce the long-term wildfire risk.

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If weather and site conditions play nice, the burn could start as early as March 3rd and last until the end of April.

Locals are asked to take precautions, such as running portable air cleaners and cutting down on outdoor time. Smoke exposure can irritate the eyes and trigger new or pre-existing lung and heart conditions.

Details on prescribed burns are available on the provincial government’s website.

A total of 88 burns have been planned across B.C. for 2025.