To help reduce the risk of wildfires, the BC Wildfire Service is supporting the City of Cranbrook in conducting a prescribed burn in the Gold Creek area. This burn is located approximately six kilometres south of Cranbrook and will cover up to 23 hectares.

The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions, but could begin as early as Monday, September 9.

Smoke may impact residents near the burn area and may be visible from Cranbrook, surrounding communities, and to motorists travelling along Highway 3, Highway 95 and Highway 93.

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 include:

• Critical infrastructure protection;
• Reduce accumulation of fine fuels and woody debris;
• 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 achieve land management objectives, reduce the severity of future wildfires and increase ecosystem and wildfire resilience. 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 cell phone. For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air-quality advisories, visit: bcwildfire.ca.

e-KNOW file photo

BC Wildfire Service

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