CASTLEGAR – The BC Wildfire Service will be supporting the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship and First Nations in conducting a 72-hectare ecosystem restoration burn in the Kettle River area. This burn is located approximately three kilometres northwest of the community of Rock Creek and will cover up to 72 hectares.
The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions, but it could begin as early as Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024.
Smoke may impact residents near the burn area and will be highly visible from Rock Creek and surrounding communities, and to motorists travelling along Highway 3 and 33.
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:
- Enhance wildlife habitat
- Support water quality objectives
- 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 cultural and 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 at prescribedfire.ca.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone. For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air-quality advisories, visit bcwildfire.ca, the BC Wildfire Map or download the BC Wildfire Service mobile app.
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Contact:
Fire Information Officer
Southeast Fire Centre
BC Wildfire Service
250 318-7715
Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect.