Prescribed Burn planned near Doc English

Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Service:

The BC Wildfire Service will be conducting an ecosystem restoration burn at the north end of Cotton Road near Riske Creek and Tl’esqox First Nation. This burn will cover approximately 85 hectares of grassland.

Burning may begin as early as March 22, 2024 and continue periodically until April 4, 2024. The exact timing of the burn will be dependent on weather, site and venting conditions. Ignitions will proceed if conditions are suitable and allow for quick smoke dissipation.

BC Wildfire Service staff will prepare, control, and monitor the prescribed burn at all times. Smoke and flames will be highly visible to motorists travelling along Highway 20, and may be visible to surrounding residences.

The purpose of this prescribed burn is to:

• Restore open grasslands by reducing encroachment from juniper and conifer trees
• Improve the grassland forage for future wildlife and cattle grazing
• Reduce the wildfire hazard within the area
• Promote the growth of local plant species while reducing the spread of invasive plant species

 

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 open grasslands and forests with large trees.

The reintroduction of managed, low-intensity ground fires to these grasslands is intended to restore and maintain the traditional grassland plant communities that are native to these areas. These managed fires also reduce fuel loads, leading to a decreased risk of high intensity wildfires.

Human-caused wildfires are completely preventable and divert critical resources away from naturally caused fires. Always practice safe, responsible open fire use.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.

 You can follow the latest wildfire news:

 

• on the free BC Wildfire Service public mobile app, available for Apple (iOS) and Android devices
• on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
• on Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

Contact:

 

BC Wildfire Service

Fire Information Officer

Cariboo Fire Centre

778 799-2100