Download Printer-friendly version

INFORMATION BULLETIN
2011FOR0031-000362
April 8, 2011
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
Burns planned to restore Cariboo-Chilcotin grasslands
WILLIAMS LAKE – On behalf of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve
Thomson, Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett is advising that the prescribed burns are
planned in the Riske Creek/Becher Prairie area between April 11 and May 30, weather
conditions permitting.
The burns are planned for ecosystem restoration purposes. The Riske Creek/Becher Prairie area
burns will cover an estimated 200 hectares about 50 kilometres west of Williams Lake and
north of Highway 20, possibly affecting visibility for highway traffic.
Historically, the grasslands in the Cariboo-Chilcotin were renewed through frequent, lowintensity ground fires. Such fires prevented tree encroachment, rejuvenated understory plants
and maintained more 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 natural for these areas.
This fire is part of an ongoing restoration program administered by the provincial government
in collaboration with First Nations, local ranchers, Grasslands Conservation Council, B.C. Wildlife
Federation, and the Cariboo-Chilcotin Conservation Society.
Contact:
Jenny Fremlin
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Cariboo Fire Centre
250 989-2665
[email protected]
A factsheet follows.
Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect
FACTSHEET
2011FOR0031-000362
April 8, 2011
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
Prescribed Burning as an Ecosystem Management Tool
Fire is a normal, natural process in many of British Columbia’s ecosystems. Many species of
birds, insects, plants and animals depend on fire for its regenerative properties.
Fires help control insects and diseases in forests, and lead to forest succession (younger
forests replacing older forests) to create a patchwork of forest ages, which supports
biodiversity.
Prescribed burning is one of the tools used by forest professionals to achieve certain
objectives for land management. For example, using fire is appropriate for habitat
enhancement, to improve forage for cattle, deer, bighorn sheep and moose, and to reduce
fuel loads for interface fire risk reduction.
Prescribed burns are carefully planned so that their intensity and size meets the prescribed
management objectives for fire maintained ecosystems.
All prescribed burns must comply with the Environmental Management Act’s open burning
smoke control regulation, which is in place to minimize the amount of smoke created. For
example, burns may be ignited only on days when the venting index indicates smoke will
not be trapped close to the ground. The regulation also requires the open flames to be out
in 96 hours.
Prescribed burns are ignited weather-permitting to ensure the fire does not create
excessive smoke, and to help ensure the fire does not get out of control. Elements
important in determining the date of a burn include the venting index, temperature,
humidity and forecast winds.
Prescribed burns are ignited and continuously monitored and attended by trained crews.
The Burn Boss is responsible for making sure prescribed conditions will be met on ignition
and to ensure the fire is extinguished to reduce unnecessary smouldering and to ensure it
does not reignite.
Contact:
Jenny Fremlin
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Cariboo Fire Centre
250 989-2665
[email protected]
Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect