BC Wildfire Service plans 138-hectare debris burn near Mirage Lake

The BC Wildfire Service says it will prepare and burn about 138 hectares of woody debris near Mirage Lake as a wildfire risk reduction project. The service issued the information bulletin on Nov. 3, 2026.¹

Mechanical raking and pile prep will begin as early as this week, the service said. Pile burns will begin as early as Dec. 2026 and continue through Mar. 31, 2027, with the exact date depending on weather and favourable venting conditions.¹

The project covers 261 hectares in total, adjacent to residences in the Mirage Lake area. That is 13 kilometres northwest of the District of 100 Mile House and six kilometres west of the 108 Mile Ranch on the Tatton McKinley Forest Service Road.¹

Crews will use mechanical raking to build woody debris piles about two metres by three metres. The service said ignitions will only proceed if conditions are safe, with favourable weather and atmospheric venting allowing smoke to clear quickly.¹

Smoke and flames may be visible to surrounding communities and to motorists on Highway 97. Smoke from within the burn perimeter may be visible up to 72 hours after ignition, the service said.¹

The service said the project aims to reduce wildfire risk to 100 Mile Zone residences and surrounding areas, remove forest fuels and protect wildlife habitat and recreational values. The bulletin was issued on Nov. 3, 2026.¹