BC Wildfire Service crews will be conducting a 54-hectare ecosystem restoration burn about 15 kilometres northwest of Deer Park (near Sunshine Creek) between Sept. 13 and Sept. 30, depending on weather and site conditions.

During this period, smoke may be visible from the communities of Deer Park, Renata, Edgewood and Castlegar.

All prescribed burns must comply with the Environmental Management Act and the open burning smoke control regulation. This helps minimize the amount of smoke generated. BC Wildfire Service personnel will carefully monitor this controlled fire at all times.

This ecosystem restoration burn is a joint project of the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program. Historically, grasslands and open forest canopies have been maintained in the West Kootenay region by frequent, low-intensity ground fires.

The objective of the Sunshine Creek burn is to rejuvenate shrub, herb and grass layers, which will enhance winter habitat for mule deer and elk, improve overall biodiversity, create a more open forest and increase the availability of nutrients. The reduction in fuel loads will also decrease the risk of catastrophic wildfires in the area.

Fire is a natural, normal process in many ecosystems and is beneficial for maintaining a healthy forest and a diversity of plant and animal life. Many plants and animals have adapted to fire and some actually depend on it to reproduce.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone. For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit: http://www.bcwildfire.ca

You can also follow the latest wildfire news on:

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

Learn More:

A factsheet about prescribed burns and ecosystem restoration burns is available online at: http://ow.ly/Cv7830447Qn