To help reduce wildfire threats, the BC Wildfire Service will be supporting the City of Cranbrook in conducting a prescribed burn covering up to 10 hectares.

Located next to the Canadian Rockies International Airport, the exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions, but it could begin as early as Tuesday, September 1.

Key goals of this prescribed burn include:

• Reduce accumulations of continuous matted grass, wood, and combustible material;
• Provide critical infrastructure protection;
• Reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires for the community.

Smoke may impact the residents near the burn area and will be visible from the community of ʔaq̓am, the City of Cranbrook, and surrounding areas. Smoke may also be visible to motorists travelling along Highway 93, Highway 95A, and Highway 3.

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.

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 cell phone. For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air-quality advisories, visit: bcwildfire.ca.

BC Wildfire Service

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