Ecosystem restoration burn planned for Kettle River area

A 72-hectare ecosystem restoration burn is planned for the Kettle River area from Thursday, September 12, weather conditions permitting.

This burn is located approximately three kilometres northwest of the community of Rock Creek and will be a partnership between the BC Wildfire Service, the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship and First Nation.

Smoke may impact residents near the burn area and will be highly visible from Rock Creek and surrounding communities, and to motorists travelling along Highway 3 and 33.

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
• 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 cultural and 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, the BC Wildfire Map or download our app.