Prescribed burn planned for the Blue Grouse Mountain area



CASTLEGAR – To help reduce the risk of wildfires, the BC Wildfire Service is supporting Interfor in conducting a hazard abatement prescribed burn in the Burton area. This burn is located approximately 11 kilometres northeast of the community of Burton and will cover up to six hectares.

The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions, but it could begin as early as Tuesday, June 11, 2024.

Smoke may impact residents near the burn area and may be visible from Burton, Nakusp, surrounding communities and to motorists travelling along Highway 6.

Burning will proceed if conditions are suitable to achieve objectives and allow for smoke dispersal, though smoke may linger in the following days, particularly the morning after burn operations. Despite all precautions to manage it, unintended smoke impacts are possible after any burn.

Key goals of this prescribed burn include:

  • Long-term fire hazard abatement by reducing fuel loading
  • Preparing the site for replanting
  • Increase long-term nutrient cycling and biodiversity
  • Contribute to landscape level fuel break and wildfire mitigation efforts

Fire is a normal and natural process in many of B.C.’s ecosystems. The BC Wildfire Service works regularly with land managers to undertake fuel management activities (including the use of prescribed burns), to help reduce the severity of future wildfires and related threats to communities. Learn more about prescribed burning online: prescribedfire.ca.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.

For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air-quality advisories, visit: bcwildfire.ca.

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Contact:
Fire Information Officer
BC Wildfire Service – Southeast Fire Centre
250-318-7715

Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect