Two 20-person unit crews from the Cranbrook Fire Zone will be engaging in a fuels management project in and around Elkford from June 2 until June 6.

The treatment area covers three hectares in size on the south end of the community. The treatment area is adjacent to Highway 43, and borders on residential properties.

Wildfire Management Branch crews will comply with all Ministry of Environment smoke control regulations when burning piles and will work hard to limit any impact on the community.

The District of Elkford will be housing the crews at a local campground and will be provide a water tender to help mop-up the burn piles during the project.

This fuel management prescription is consistent with the objectives of the Kootenay Boundary Higher Level Plan Order and the District of Elkford’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan.

Objectives include the reduction of fuel loads and wildfire risk
through the restoration of open forest conditions; and enhance, the many values of the treated stand, including recreation, wildlife habitat, visual quality, water quality, forest health, air quality, cultural heritage, terrain stability, privacy, and noise reduction.

Since April 1, the Southeast Fire Centre has responded to a total of 15 fires, which have burned 35 hectares. The five-year averages for this time of year are 17 fires and 112 hectares.

Southeast Fire Centre

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