The Skwlax Nation in the North Shuswap has brought down a fire ban in its territory.

“By order of Skwlāx te Secwepemcu’lecw (formally Little Shuswap Lake Band) Kukpi7 & Council and the Skwlāx Volunteer Fire Department Chief, please be advised that as of12pm on June 5, 2024, ALL fires will be prohibited within SteS reserve boundaries,” said the Nation in a release.  “This order is due to the upcoming heat weather event and the recent change in the Fire Danger Rating for our area.”

It comes as Skwlax has already been maintaining road checks heading into its territory due to issues with mushroom harvesting.

“Also note that there is already a Land Access Restriction Band Council Resolution in place restricting all public access into the unpopulated forested areas on reserve, unless authorized by SteS for the purposes of conducting remediation work, which includes the use of recreational vehicles,” stated the Band in a release.

The Skwlax Nation is still attempting to recover from last year’s Bush Creek East wildfire, which destroyed over 30 homes, as well as wide swaths of timber on its territory.

The Fire Danger Rating has been steadily increasing in parts of the Kamloops Fire Centre amid the growing heat, with expectations it will hit high to extreme in certain parts in the coming few days.