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Redstreak Mountain Prescribed Fire ignition due
As early as Monday, September 22, Parks Canada fire management personnel could begin ignition on the Redstreak Mountain prescribed fire unit in Kootenay National Park.
Through the Redstreak Restoration project, Parks Canada has completed several phases of forest thinning and prescribed fire to restore open forest/grassland habitat in the Radium Hot Springs area.
The next phase of this project includes a 235-hectare burn of Redstreak Mountain, located three km southeast of the Village of Radium Hot Springs.
The purpose of this burn is to:
- to restore bighorn sheep winter range and associated open forest/grassland ecosystems, and
- to reduce the risk of wildfire to Redstreak Campground and the community of Radium Hot Springs.
How is the work being carried out?
Prescribed fires occurred in 2007, 2010 and 2011 in conjunction with the Redstreak Restoration Project.
The objective in 2011 was to burn a 22-hectare section to secure the lower elevation South guard for the proposed Redstreak prescribed fire/restoration project. With this guard in place, and if conditions permit, Parks Canada plans to complete this project with the prescribed fire of Redstreak Mountain. The Redstreak prescribed fire and restoration project is part of a long-term plan to restore fire-maintained grassland and open forest ecosystems in the Columbia Valley.
Will this burn affect the public and motorists?
This burn and smoke column will be visible to motorists along Highway 93/95 South and throughout the Columbia Valley. During burn operations there may be speed reductions or no stopping zones along the highway adjacent to the burn unit. For public safety reasons, prior to any ignition an area closure will be established at Redstreak Mountain, including gated access roads, Redstreak Trail, Redstreak Bench and all associated trails. However, Redstreak Campground will remain open. There will not be any roads or highways impacted by this prescribed fire.
Lead photo: Helicopter staging area at the base of Redstreak Mountain, September 21. Photo by Dominik Geiser
Parks Canada