Smoke may be visible in parts of the Fort Nelson and Peace regions over the next week as prescribed burning continues in those areas.

These controlled burns will cover about 10,000 hectares and will help meet Wildlife Management objectives by promoting the growth of high-quality forage and supplying winter range for ungulates (e.g., moose, elk, mule deer) in the Peace Region.

Burning will occur near Liard River, Tenaka Creek and Upper Muskwa River, and in the Toad River area near 8 Mile Creek, Snake Creek, Toad River and Yash Creek. Additional burns will take place in the Pink Mountain and Buckinghorse areas near Trimble Lake, Besa River, Sikanni River, Graham River and Chowade River.

Trained wildfire personnel will carefully monitor the fires at all times. Smoke and flames from these controlled fires may be visible from nearby communities, including Fort St. John, Fort Nelson, Chetwynd and Hudson’s Hope.

The introduction of prescribed burns in the spring is intended to restore natural grasslands and early seral habitat. These areas represent important Ungulate Winter Range for a variety of species.

The prescribed burns will be conducted by the ministry’s Wildlife Branch, in partnership with the Wildfire Management Branch. Funding for this project has been provided by the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund, the North Peace Rod and Gun Club, the Northern B.C. Guides Association and the Northeast B.C. Wildlife Fund.

For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit www.bcwildfire.ca or call 1 888 3-FOREST.

You can also follow the latest wildfire news:

• On Twitter at: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
• On Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

Media Contacts:

Jillian Kelsh
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Prince George Fire Centre
250 565-6129 (office)
250 961-4176 (cell)