The BC Wildfire Service is planning a controlled burn near the base of Mount Horetsky, approximately 39 kilometres northwest of Fort Babine. The burn will only take place if weather conditions permit and may begin as early as May 28, 2017.

A collaborative project between the Lake Babine Nation, Pacific Inland Resources, the Bulkley Valley Research Centre, and the BC Wildfire Service, these prescribed burns will remove slash on 58 hectares of recently harvested land.

The objective of this burn is to assess the role and value of broadcast burning in stimulating berry growth and improving grizzly bear habitat. Post-burn, the Bulkley Valley Research Centre will carry out environmental monitoring to identify and record levels of berry production and increases in the amount of grizzly bear habitat.

Trained personnel will carefully conduct and monitor the burn. Prescribed burns are only ignited if weather conditions are suitable to ensure that the fire burns within a set of parameters and occurs under favourable smoke venting conditions. Important factors that determine whether a burn will proceed include the venting index, temperature, humidity and forecast wind activity.

The burn will be done under conditions that will help minimize the amount of smoke generated.

More information about prescribed burning is available on the BC Wildfire Service website at: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/forestry/managing-our-forest-resources/wildfire-management/prevention/prescribed-burning

To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.