QUESNEL – To reduce wildfire risk, the BC Wildfire Service, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and Emcon Services Inc., has begun removing tree limbs up to three metres high near the Northstar Interchange. The cut vegetation will be left to cure over the winter to support a grass burn planned for the spring.
When and where
- Crews began preparing the area in mid-October.
- The prescribed burn may begin in the early spring, depending on weather and site conditions.
- The burn will cover approximately 10 hectares in the Northstar Interchange area, south of Quesnel adjacent to Highway 97.
What to expect
- Crews are removing tree limbs up to three metres to reduce forest fuels and promote healthy new growth in the area.
- The cut forest fuels will cure over the winter to aid in the grass burn planned for the spring.
These YouTube videos explain the benefits of prescribed burning and showcase the process and some of the work that goes into planning Prescribed Burns. The BCWS YouTube channel is an excellent resource to watch videos on wildfire and prevention in the province.
Objectives of this prescribed burn
- Reduce wildfire risk around Quesnel and surrounding area.
- Use fire to restore grassland and forest health to encourage a properly functioning ecosystem.
- Strengthen collaboration between the Ministry of Transportaion and Infrastructure, Emcon Services and BC Wildfire Service.
Learn more
Fire is a 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 reduce the severity of future wildfires and related threats to communities.
Learn more about prescribed burning online at prescribedfire.ca or find more resources here.
Reporting
- To report an unattended campfire or open burning violation calling call the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.
- To report illegal fires in a local fire department’s jurisdiction, call 9-1-1.
- Dial *5555 on a cell phone or call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free to report a wildfire.
- Use the Report function in the BC Wildfire App to report a wildfire. Reporting through the app lets you upload images and can be used without service.
Stay in the know
For the latest information on current wildfire activity, prohibitions and restrictions, road closures, and air-quality advisories please visit BCWildfire.ca, the BC Wildfire Map, or use the BC Wildfire app.
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Contact
Fire Information Officer
Cariboo Fire Centre | BC Wildfire Service
778 799-2100
CaFCInfo@gov.bc.ca Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect