An ecosystem restoration burn is planned for the north end of Cotton Road near Riske Creek and Tl’esqox First Nation.
BC Wildfire Service, who will be conducting the burn, said it will cover approximately 25 hectares of grassland.
Preparation for this project, including small scale burns to establish control lines, will begin as early as Thursday, Sept.12, with burning possibly beginning as early as Friday, Sept. 13 and through to Friday. Sept. 20
"The exact timing of the burn will be dependent on weather, site and venting conditions. Ignitions will proceed only if conditions are suitable and allow for quick smoke dissipation. Smoke and flames will be highly visible to motorists travelling along Highway 20, and may be visible to surrounding residences," noted BCWS in a news release.
Objectives of the prescribed burn are to:
Improve and restore open grasslands by reducing encroachment from trees and shrubs, consume slashed material, improve the grassland forage for future wildlife and cattle grazing.
The prescribed burn is part of an ongoing ecosystem restoration program administered in consultation with First Nations and local ranchers. B.C. Wildfire Service staff will carefully prepare, control, and monitor the prescribed burn at all times.
Fire is a normal and natural process in many of B.C.’s ecosystems, noted the news release, adding 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.
"Historically, grasslands in the Cariboo-Chilcotin were renewed and maintained through frequent, low-intensity ground fires. Such fires prevented tree encroachment, rejuvenated understory plants and helped maintain more open grasslands and forests with large trees."
