Forests
The BC Wildfire Service plans to conduct a 36-hectare ecosystem restoration burn in the Centre Hill/Ingram Creek area, about seven kilometres north of Midway.
The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions. Pre-burning and preparations could begin as early as Wednesday, April 17, 2019.
Smoke may be visible from Highway 3, Midway, Greenwood, Rock Creek and nearby communities in the Kettle River Valley.
This burn will tie into a 27-hectare prescribed burn that was successfully completed in the same location in fall 2018.
The key goals of the new burn include:
- rejuvenating the shrub, herb and grass layer, which will enhance habitat for mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk and the Williamson's sapsucker;
- improving overall biodiversity in the area and creating a more open forest habitat; and
- reducing accumulations of dead and combustible material, which will decrease the risk of future catastrophic wildfires in the area.
Burning will proceed only if conditions are suitable and allow for low- to moderate-intensity fire, and quick smoke dissipation. All prescribed burns must comply with the Environmental Management Act and the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation. This will help minimize the amount of smoke generated.
Fire is a normal and natural process in many of British Columbia's ecosystems. The BC Wildfire Service works regularly with land managers to undertake fuel management activities (including the use of prescribed burns), to help reduce the severity of future wildfires and related threats to communities.
Report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation by calling 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, go to: 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/E8Ue30br7OY
