Fuel break planned along Enterprise Forest Service Road near 100 Mile House

A 120-hectare fuel break is planned along the Enterprise Forest Service Road (FSR) in British Columbia, the 100 Mile House Natural Resource District and BC Wildfire Service said in a notice published Oct. 30. Work is expected to begin as early as mid-November and may continue through to March 31, 2027.¹

The project is a collaboration with the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation. The fuel break, a strip where forest fuels are removed to slow a fire's spread, will run between kilometre 11 and 45 of the Enterprise FSR, about 22 kilometres south of Chimney Lake and 25 kilometres southwest of Lac La Hache.¹

Crews will selectively remove dead overstory trees and thin understory trees that contribute to ladder fuels, which carry fire from the ground into the canopy. Lower branches on retained trees will be pruned. Surface fuels will be treated by grinding and pile burning, and ground material will be transported off site for reuse.¹

Chainsaw and mechanical noise will be heard during the contract. Crews will maintain a secure worksite using posted signs with check-in procedures.¹

The notice states three goals: reducing forest fuel loads to help mitigate wildfire risk, providing a strategic location for wildfire suppression activities and promoting a more resilient forest. The notice was published Oct. 30.¹