Bonneau Road fuel reduction project to begin in late March to enhance wildfire resiliency and safety

February 20th, 2026

Read the PDF version here.

Way’ Members,

TSD is pleased to announce the continued implementation of the fuel reduction project on Bonneau Road. This project is crucial for enhancing land resiliency and wildfire safety also protecting our community and natural resources. Fuel reduction, also known as wildfire mitigation, involves strategically removing vegetation and other flammable materials to create fire breaks and reduce the intensity and spread of potential wildfires. This project is designed to protect homes, community, critical infrastructure, watersheds, and wildlife habitat. Planned fuel reduction activities are listed below.

Prescribed-Cultural Burn – Bonneau Road

The main identified work on the Bonneau Road project consists of ladder fuel removal and lope and scatter of branches and limbs. As the project continues the field crews are tasked with fuel free zones in areas along the potential burn perimeter and hand guard construction. The field crews are working to fulfill the prescriptions identified work that is needed to complete this project.

A meeting with BCWS has also been concluded and have agreed to provide resources and options needed to complete this project in the spring of 2026. The first portion of this project to use prescribed-cultural burning will be approximately 20 hectares. The prescribed burn is scheduled for late March or early April. The project itself is reliant on the correct weather, wind, and indices before any lighting of fuels. Chief and Council, Band members, OKIB Fire Department, media outlets, and all other stakeholders will be advised before commencement of any light up.

Further Updates

OKIB will share short-notice updates (e.g., via Official Okanagan Indian Band Facebook group, OKIB.ca and our OKIB App) when we receive evening confirmation that burning will occur the following day.

If you have questions or concerns about these planned burns, please contact:

Territorial Stewardship Division (TSD)
Okanagan Indian Band
250-542-7132
colleen.marchand@okanagan.org