The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development will be conducting a 22-hectare prescribed burn to help restore an ecosystem about 15 kilometres north of Deer Park, near Twobit Creek.

This controlled burn could begin as early as Thursday, April 26, 2018, depending on weather and site conditions. Smoke may be visible from Edgewood, Renata, Deer Park and surrounding communities.

BC Wildfire Service personnel will monitor this fire at all times. 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.

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. This ecosystem restoration project is being done in conjunction with the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program. The objective of this controlled burn is to rejuvenate the area’s shrub, herb and grass layer, which will:

• enhance winter habitat for mule deer, elk and bighorn sheep;
• improve overall biodiversity in the area;
• create a more open forest habitat; and
• increase the availability of nutrients

The overall reduction in fuel loads (accumulations of flammable materials, such as brush and wood debris) will also help decrease the risk of catastrophic wildfires in the area in future.

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

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Learn More:

A factsheet about prescribed burns and ecosystem restoration burns is available online: http://ow.ly/7RXg304vw2Z