To help reduce wildfire threats, the BC Wildfire Service will be supporting the City of Cranbrook in conducting a prescribed burn covering up to 22-hectares.

The prescribed burn area is located adjacent to the Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC). Smoke may impact the residents close to the burn area and will be highly visible from Cranbrook, Kimberley, and surrounding areas. Smoke will also be visible to motorists travelling along Highway 93 and Highway 95A.

The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions, but it could begin as early as Wednesday, March 31. Burning will proceed only if conditions are suitable and allow for smoke dispersal during burn operations, light smoke may also linger in the following days.

Key goals of this prescribed burn include: 

• reduce accumulations of dead wood and other combustible material;
• promote ecological biodiversity by suppressing growth of regenerating trees; and,
• reduce wildfire severity.

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.

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.

e-KNOW file photo

Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development and BC Wildfire Service

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