The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations is planning to conduct a prescribed burn in the Johnstone Creek area, starting as early as Tuesday, March 25, 2014. The timing of the burn is dependent on weather and site conditions.

The burn will be conducted about five kilometres west of Rock Creek. Smoke and flames may be visible from Rock Creek, the Johnstone Creek Provincial Park campground, downslope properties and along Highway 3.

This 31-hectare controlled burn is part of the provincial government’s strategy to restore and maintain forest and range ecosystems. The fire will help re-establish appropriate ecological conditions, maintain habitat for wildlife and reduce forest fuel loads.

The burn will proceed only if weather conditions and fire behaviour will allow for quick smoke dissipation and low to moderate fire intensity. If conditions are not suitable, the burn may not occur this year.

Trained wildfire personnel will carefully monitor and control the fire at all times.

The goal of the burn is to mimic a naturally occurring ground fire and reduce the level of dead and combustible material in open forest areas. Removal of these forest fuels helps reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfires. Fire can also discourage insect infestations and help native, fire-adapted plant species to reproduce.

When they become available, photos of the burn will be posted on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

Media Contacts:

Karlie Shaughnessy
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Southeast Fire Centre
250 365-4014