GRAND FORKS – The BC Wildfire Service will be supporting the Kootenay Boundary Region in conducting a 25 hectare ecosystem restoration burn in the Kettle Valley area of the Southeast Fire Centre, about three kilometres north of Rock Creek.
Smoke may impact residents near the burn area and will be highly visible from Rock Creek and surrounding communities. It may also be visible to motorists travelling along Highways 3 and 33.
The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions, but it could begin as early as Friday, April 21, 2023. Burning will proceed if conditions are suitable and allow for smoke dispersal during burn operations, though smoke may also linger in the following days.
Key goals of this prescribed burn include:
- help restore forest health and a properly functioning ecosystem,
- enhance species at risk habitat by reintroducing open forest conditions,
- improve ungulate habitat by increasing native forage diversity and abundance, 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 improve 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 250 318-7715