Ecosystem restoration burn planned for Bull Mountain area



CASTLEGAR – The BC Wildfire Service will be supporting the Ministry of Land, Water, and Resource Stewardship Habitat Biologists in conducting an ecosystem restoration burn at high elevation in the Bull Mountain area. This burn will cover up to 500 hectares and is located approximately 25 kilometres east of Cranbrook and 25 kilometres west of Fernie.

Smoke may impact the residents near the burn area and may be visible from Cranbrook, Fernie, and surrounding areas. Smoke will also be visible to motorists travelling along Highway 3.

The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions but could begin as early as August 31, 2022. Burning will proceed if the conditions are suitable and allow for smoke dispersal, though smoke may linger in the following days.

Key goals of this prescribed burn include:

  • enhance habitat in summer and transitional ranges to support bighorn sheep herd health,
  • provide safe migration routes in bighorn sheep transitional habitat, and
  • reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires in the area.

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 achieve land management objectives, reduce the severity of future wildfires and increase ecosystem and wildfire resilience. Learn more about prescribed burning online: http://ow.ly/20Su50Ax89j

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 tollfree or *5555 on a cellphone. For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air-quality advisories, visit: http://www.bcwildfire.ca

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Contact:
Fire Information Officer
BC Wildfire Service
Southeast Fire Centre
(250) 608-8951

Ariana McKay
Habitat Biologist
Ministry of Land, Water, and Resource Stewardship
(250) 420-6293