Ecosystem restoration burn planned near ʔaq̓am



CASTLEGAR – The BC Wildfire Service will be supporting the ʔaq̓am Department of Lands and Natural Resources in conducting an ecosystem restoration burn on the Kootenay IR number 1. This burn will cover up to 1,240 hectares and is located immediately north of the St. Mary’s River, east of the Canadian Rockies International Airport.

The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions but could begin as early as Friday, April 28, 2023. Burning will proceed if conditions are suitable and allow for smoke dispersal, though smoke may linger in the following days.

Smoke may impact the residents near the burn area and will be visible from ʔaq̓am, Cranbrook, Kimberley and surrounding areas. Smoke will also be visible to motorists travelling along Highway 3, Highway93/95, and Highway 95A.

Key goals of this prescribed burn include:

  • help restore forest health and properly functioning open forest conditions,
  • address forest health issues associated with overly dense tree stands, 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:

Julie Couse
Director
ʔaq̓am Department of Lands and Natural Resources
778 761-1056

Southeast Fire Centre Information Officer
BC Wildfire Service
Ministry of Forests
250 318-7715

Bob Gray
AFE Certified Wildland Fire Ecologist
R.W. Gray Consulting Ltd.
604 824-8726