Prescribed burn to help restore ecosystems in Churn Creek

Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Service:

The BC Wildfire Service crews will assist B.C. Parks with an ecosystem restoration burn in the Churn Creek Protected Area.

This controlled burn will cover about 300 hectares on the west side of the Fraser River, about 10 kilometres southwest of the community of Dog Creek and 70 kilometres west of 100 Mile. Burning could begin as early as April 14, 2021 and continue until April 16, 2021. The decision on when to proceed with burning will depend on weather and site conditions. Such burns are conducted only when conditions are suitable. Firefighters will closely monitor the fires at all times.

Smoke may be visible from nearby communities

The key objectives of this burn are to:

*Restore open grasslands by reducing encroachment from juniper and conifer trees

*Reduce the wildfire severity

*Enhance wildlife habitat and forage for ungulates and increase biodiversity

 B.C. Parks is conducting this project as part of their ongoing grassland restoration efforts in Churn Creek. Using aerial photos from the early 1950s, B.C. Parks has drawn up a 50-year plan to reintroduce controlled burning in the Churn Creek Protected Area.

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: http://www.bcwildfire.ca

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 Learn More:

 More information about prescribed burns and ecosystem restoration burns is available online:

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/vegetation-and-fuel-management/prescribed-burning