CASTLEGAR \u2013 To help reduce wildfire threats, the BC Wildfire Service will be supporting yaqan nu?iky \u2013 Lower Kootenay Band in conducting a prescribed burn. This burn will cover up to nine hectares on Creston IR1 along Highway 21, approximately two kilometres south of Creston.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions, but it could begin as early as March 23. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Smoke may impact residents near the burn area and will be highly visible from Creston and surrounding communities, and to motorists travelling along Highway 21 and Highway 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key goals of this prescribed burn include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This burn will also provide a training opportunity between the BC Wildfire Service, yaqan nu?iky – Lower Kootenay Band and Creston Fire Rescue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Burning will proceed if conditions are suitable to achieve objectives and allow for smoke dispersal, though smoke may linger in the following days, particularly the morning after burn operations. Despite all precautions to manage it, 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fire is a normal and natural process in many of B.C.\u2019s 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. These projects are carefully planned and only go ahead at the right times and under the right conditions to ensure community and practitioner safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Safety is the top priority when planning and implementing a prescribed burn. Every prescribed burn requires a burn plan, and all burn plans identify specific objectives and clearly outline required elements. This can include things like weather conditions, equipment, mitigation plans, and post-fire monitoring. Watch the below video for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n