The BC Wildfire Service is supporting the Nature Conservancy of Canada on an ecosystem restoration burn in the Kootenay River Ranch area, located around eight kilometres south of the Village of Canal Flats, adjacent to Highway 93/95.

This prescribed burn will cover up to 80 hectares. Smoke may be visible from Canal Flats, Fort Steele and surrounding areas. Smoke may also be noticeable to motorists travelling along Highway 93/95.

The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions, but could start as early as Thursday, April 11.

Burning will proceed if conditions are suitable to achieve objectives and allow for smoke dispersal, though smoke may linger in the following days, particularly the morning after burn operations. Despite all precautions to manage it, unintended smoke impacts are possible after any burn.

Key goals of this prescribed burn include:

• Enhance wildlife habitat;
  • Support water quality objectives;
  • Address forest health issues associated with overly dense tree stands; and
  • 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: prescribedfire.ca.

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, visit: bcwildfire.ca.

BC Wildfire Service file photo

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