Residents of Kimberley, Cranbrook, Elko and surrounding areas may see smoke over the next month as a result of prescribed burning operations being conducted throughout September.

Weather and ground conditions permitting, two prescribed burns will be ignited to help restore grasslands and open forest ecosystems.

These controlled fires will be lit at:

* Artesian Springs: south of McGinty Lake, off Highway 95A near Meadowbrook (387 hectares).

* Cutts Road: south of Elko near the Elk River bridge (394 ha).

These projects are part of the Rocky Mountain Trench Ecosystem Restoration Program. Controlled burns have been completed at these sites for several years. Initial thinning treatments have now reduced forest stands to the point where restorative fire can be introduced safely and effectively.

The prescribed burns will mimic the frequent, low-intensity ground fires that have historically maintained grasslands and open forests in the East Kootenay. They will assist with tree regeneration, recycle soil nutrients, rejuvenate bunchgrasses and shrubs, improve forest health and reduce the risk of severe wildfires.

If the weather changes and burning conditions are no longer ideal, these operations could be postponed to a later date when conditions are once again favourable.

An open burning prohibition has been in effect in the Southeast Fire Centre since July 8 and will remain in effect until Sept. 20 or until the public is otherwise notified. Resource management burns like the ones planned for Artesian Springs and Cutts Road are exempt from this prohibition.

The public is reminded that, despite recent rain and a drop in temperatures, the open burning prohibition is being enforced throughout the entire Southeast Fire Centre.

The Southeast Fire Centre would like to thank the public for its help reporting wildfires in the region and for its diligence in using fire safely. To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or call *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 .

You can also follow the latest wildfire news on –

* Twitter at: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo

* Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

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