The BC Wildfire Service plans to conduct a 32-hectare ecosystem restoration burn in the Gibbs Creek area about 10 kilometres west of Grand Forks, off the Gibbs Creek Forest Service Road.

The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions. Pre-burning activities and other preparations could begin as early as Monday, May 6, 2019.

Smoke from this controlled burn may be visible from Grand Forks, Highway 3 and surrounding communities. 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.

Burning will only proceed if conditions are suitable to meet the project’s objectives. Where ecologically suitable, the site may experience some pockets of high-intensity fire due to the amount of forests fuels present. Trained BC Wildfire Service personnel will carefully monitor the fire at all times.

The key goals of this burn include:

• rejuvenating the shrub, herb and grass layer, which will enhance habitat for mule deer, white-tailed deer and elk;
• improving overall biodiversity in the area and promoting more climate-resilient tree stands; and
• reducing accumulations of dead and combustible material, which will decrease the risk of future catastrophic wildfires in the area.

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.

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

Learn More:

A factsheet about prescribed burns and ecosystem restoration burns is available online: http://ow.ly/E8Ue30br7OY

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