Prescribed Burn planned for Slater Creek area



CASTLEGAR – To help reduce the risk of wildfires, the BC Wildfire Service is supporting Harrop-Procter Community Co-operative in conducting a prescribed burn in the Slater Creek area. This burn is located approximately 3.5 kilometres southwest of Harrop and will cover up to 20 hectares.

The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions, but it could begin as early as Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

Smoke may impact residents near the burn area and may be visible from Harrop-Procter, Balfour and surrounding communities, and to motorists travelling along Highway 3A.

Key goals of this prescribed burn include:

  • Reduce accumulations of dead wood and other combustible material
  • Promote the growth of deciduous herbs and shrubs
  • Decrease the risk and impacts of future wildfires in the area

Burning will only proceed if conditions are suitable to achieve objectives and allow for appropriate smoke dispersal, though smoke may linger in the following days, particularly the morning after burn operations. Despite all smoke management precautions, unintended smoke impacts are possible after any burn. For more information on wildfire smoke impacts and how you can protect yourself, visit the BC Centre for Disease Control.

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 fire), to help achieve land management objectives, reduce the severity of future wildfires and increase ecosystem and wildfire resilience.

Safety is paramount in all prescribed burn operations. Each burn is guided by a detailed burn plan that defines objectives and outlines key requirements, including weather and fuel conditions, personnel and equipment needs, mitigation measures and post-fire monitoring. Watch this video to learn more:

Learn more about prescribed burning online at prescribedfire.ca.

Report a wildfire

The Southeast Fire Centre would like to thank the public for its continuing help in preventing wildfires.

You can report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation by:

  • Dialing *5555 on a cell phone
  • Calling 1 800 663-5555 toll-free
  • Reporting through the BC Wildfire App Report a fire function
    • Reporting through the app lets you upload images and can be used without service.

Stay up-to-date with the latest wildfire news

Contact

Erik Leslie, RPF
Forest Manager
Harrop-Procter Community Co-operative
250 505-3311
Erik@HPCommunityForest.org

Fire Information Team
BC Wildfire Service
Southeast Fire Centre
250 318-7715
BCWS.SEFCInfo@gov.bc.ca

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