SMITHERS – To prepare for reforestation, the BC Wildfire Service will be assisting West Fraser Mills in conducting a prescribed burning project on several cut blocks about 45 kilometres northeast of Smithers and 23 kilometres southwest of Fort Babine.
The cut blocks are located at 5 kilometers and 10 kilometers on 418 road (418 road located at 18 kilometers on the Nilkitkwa FSR). The treatment may take place anytime between September 11 and October 10, depending on weather and fuel conditions.
Burning will only occur when conditions are appropriate to ensure safety, meet objectives and allow for adequate smoke dispersal. BC Wildfire Service personnel or PIR staff and contractors will monitor the fire at all times.
Smoke may be visible from Fort Babine, Smithers, Smithers Landing and surrounding areas.
West Fraser logged approximately 46 hectares in the winter of 2024/2025. While 10 hectares of the site will be prepared for replanting through mechanical piling and mounding, 34 hectares is planned to be prescribed burned. Prescribed burning, a method where the fire carries through unpiled debris over a prescribed area, will be used on 34 hectares to reduce residual forest debris. This will improve planter access and increase the quality and quantity of planting spots. The project has the added benefits of providing staff training and development opportunities in planning and implementing prescribed burning projects. It is also expected the blocks will be more resilient to future wildfires due to the reduction of surface fuels.
About prescribed fire:
Prescribed fire is the planned and controlled application of fire to a specific land area and is one of the most ecologically appropriate and relatively efficient means for achieving planned public safety and resource management objectives, for example to enhance a habitat, prepare an area for tree planting or for disease eradication. These fires can take many months to plan and are managed in such a way as to minimize the chance of escape and emission of smoke while maximizing the benefits to the site.
This prescribed fire is a resource management open fire as defined by the BC Wildfire Regulation. These fires require the completion of a burn plan that provides an overview of the project and specific objectives, as well as identifying human, land and resource values that could be affected. Potential negative effects of fire and smoke on these values are recognized and mitigation actions are prescribed. Burn plans also specify the resources, weather and fuel conditions for the project to be safe and successful, and prescribe specific ignition, control, mop up and patrol actions to prevent the fire from escaping. Post-fire monitoring and actions are identified to ensure no long-term negative impacts to values and site safety. The burn plan is submitted by a forest professional and must be approved by BC Wildfire Service officials and the Natural Resource District Manager.
For more information about prescribed fire, please visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/vegetation-and-fuel-management/prescribed-burning
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1-800-663-5555 toll- free or *5555 on a cellphone. For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit: www.bcwildfire.ca
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Contact:
BC Wildfire Service
Information Officer
Northwest Fire Centre
BCWS.NWFCInfo@gov.bc.ca
250-876-6844