Prescribed burns planned for Tanglechain Lakes and Fort Babine area



SMITHERS— The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) is assisting with implementation of a climate adaptation project intended to monitor the impact of prescribed fire to determine tree survival and health. As a project partner, BCWS will be conducting prescribed fires in areas visible to Fort Babine residents and people travelling along the Babine Lake Road and Nilkitkwa Forest Service Road.

The objective of the burns is to reduce slash levels and organic matter in 2 to 3 trial blocks, to determine if this will improve the survival and early growth of up to ten different tree species being planted. These tree species will also be planted in 2 to 3 unburned control blocks.

The total amount of land outlined for the prescribed fires, a method where the fire carries through unpiled debris over a prescribed area, is approximately 25 hectares or less depending on site conditions.

In the coming week, site and weather conditions are expected to be suitable to meet burn objectives. The BCWS is waiting for fuels and land to be dry enough to carry the fire across the debris but still contain enough moisture that the fire will not burn deep into the duff. Continuous weather monitoring has determined the prescribed burn could happen as early as monitoring has determined the prescribed burn could happen as early as Tuesday, September 13, 2022. Residents of Fort Babine and other nearby residents and recreationalists can expect to see smoke in the area while burn operations take place.

BC Wildfire Service personnel will monitor the fire at all times. Burning will only occur when conditions are appropriate to ensure safety, meet objectives and allow for adequate smoke dispersal.

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, enhancing habitat, preparing an area for tree planting, disease eradication, etc. 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 fire requires the completion of a burn plan, which provides an overview of the project and its objectives. As well, the burn plan identifies potential human, land and resource values that could be affected, and mitigation actions are prescribed. Burn plans also specify the resources, weather and fuel conditions for the project to be safe and successful. Specific ignition, control, mop up and patrol actions are prescribed 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.

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 cell phone.

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Contact:

Information Officer
BC Wildfire Service, Northwest Fire Centre
BCWS.NWFCInformationOfficer@gov.bc.ca
250-876-6844
Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect