The BC Wildfire Service and BC Parks plan to conduct a 12-hectare ecosystem restoration burn in the Premier Lake area of the Southeast Fire Centre, about 5.5 kilometres east of Skookumchuck and about 43 kilometres north of Cranbrook.

Smoke may be visible from Skookumchuck and surrounding communities, and to motorists travelling along Highway 93.

The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions, but it could begin as early as Wednesday, Sept. 30. Burning will proceed only if conditions are suitable and allow for a low-intensity to moderate-intensity fire. 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.

Trained BC Wildfire Service personnel will monitor this fire at all times.

Key goals of this prescribed burn are to preserve park values and include:

• help restore forest health and properly functioning open forest conditions;
• enhance wildlife habitat and forage, particularly for elk and mule deer;
• address forest health issues associated with overly dense tree stands;
• reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires in the area.

Fire is a normal and natural process in many of B.C.’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.

Learn more about prescribed burning online.

e-KNOW file photo

BC Wildfire Service

Article Share