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03-09-2015, 07:08 PM
http://www.castanet.net/content/2015/3/burn_p3039424.jpgPhoto: Thinkstock.com
A series of "ecosystem restoration" burns is planned for the Satellite Hill and South Fork areas east of Vernon.
These prescribed fires will occur in several phases and may start as early as Tuesday and continue until the end of the month, weather permitting.
The controlled burns will be conducted by Wildfire Management Branch crews and Ministry of Forests staff. Smoke may be visible from Lumby, Coldstream, Cherryville and Vernon.
The Satellite Hill burn areas will cover an estimated 45 hectares, approximately six kilometres south of Lumby and Highway 6.
The South Fork burn area will cover an estimated 30 hectares, approximately six kilometres east of Cherryville and north of Highway 6.
Historically, grasslands and open forests in the Okanagan have been renewed through frequent, low-intensity ground fires. Such fires limit tree encroachment, rejuvenate shrubs that grow beneath the forest canopy and maintain open grasslands and open forests containing large trees, says fire information officer Kelsey Winter of the Kamloops Fire Centre.
"The reintroduction of managed, low-intensity ground fires to these areas is intended to restore and maintain plant communities that are native to these areas. These managed fires also reduce fuel loads, leading to a decreased risk of catastrophic wildfires," Winter said in a press release.
The prescribed burns are administered in collaboration with local ranchers, forest licensees, outdoor organizations, the B.C. Wildlife Federation and the Wild Sheep Society of British Columbia.
Factsheet:
Fire is a normal, natural process in many of B.C.'s ecosystems. Many species of plants, birds, insects and other animals depend on fire for its regenerative properties.
Fire helps control insects and the spread of disease in forests. It also contributes to forest regeneration, as younger trees replace older trees. Having trees of various ages in a forest helps create biodiversity.
Fire can be used to enhance habitat and improve forage for cattle, deer, bighorn sheep and moose. A controlled burn also can reduce fuel loads and reduce the risk of wildfire in interface areas.
The size and intensity of prescribed burns are carefully planned and controlled. They are only ignited when weather conditions are favourable and when the fire will not create excessive smoke.
Prescribed fires may only be ignited on days when the forecast for the venting index is "good".
All prescribed burns must comply with the Environmental Management Act and the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation. This helps minimize the amount of smoke generated.
A prescribed burn is continuously monitored by trained firefighting crews to ensure that the fire does not get out of control.
Read More: Vernon (http://www.castanet.net/news/Vernon/)
Report a Typo (http://www.castanet.net/contactus/report_typo.php?story=134688)
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A series of "ecosystem restoration" burns is planned for the Satellite Hill and South Fork areas east of Vernon.
These prescribed fires will occur in several phases and may start as early as Tuesday and continue until the end of the month, weather permitting.
The controlled burns will be conducted by Wildfire Management Branch crews and Ministry of Forests staff. Smoke may be visible from Lumby, Coldstream, Cherryville and Vernon.
The Satellite Hill burn areas will cover an estimated 45 hectares, approximately six kilometres south of Lumby and Highway 6.
The South Fork burn area will cover an estimated 30 hectares, approximately six kilometres east of Cherryville and north of Highway 6.
Historically, grasslands and open forests in the Okanagan have been renewed through frequent, low-intensity ground fires. Such fires limit tree encroachment, rejuvenate shrubs that grow beneath the forest canopy and maintain open grasslands and open forests containing large trees, says fire information officer Kelsey Winter of the Kamloops Fire Centre.
"The reintroduction of managed, low-intensity ground fires to these areas is intended to restore and maintain plant communities that are native to these areas. These managed fires also reduce fuel loads, leading to a decreased risk of catastrophic wildfires," Winter said in a press release.
The prescribed burns are administered in collaboration with local ranchers, forest licensees, outdoor organizations, the B.C. Wildlife Federation and the Wild Sheep Society of British Columbia.
Factsheet:
Fire is a normal, natural process in many of B.C.'s ecosystems. Many species of plants, birds, insects and other animals depend on fire for its regenerative properties.
Fire helps control insects and the spread of disease in forests. It also contributes to forest regeneration, as younger trees replace older trees. Having trees of various ages in a forest helps create biodiversity.
Fire can be used to enhance habitat and improve forage for cattle, deer, bighorn sheep and moose. A controlled burn also can reduce fuel loads and reduce the risk of wildfire in interface areas.
The size and intensity of prescribed burns are carefully planned and controlled. They are only ignited when weather conditions are favourable and when the fire will not create excessive smoke.
Prescribed fires may only be ignited on days when the forecast for the venting index is "good".
All prescribed burns must comply with the Environmental Management Act and the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation. This helps minimize the amount of smoke generated.
A prescribed burn is continuously monitored by trained firefighting crews to ensure that the fire does not get out of control.
Read More: Vernon (http://www.castanet.net/news/Vernon/)
Report a Typo (http://www.castanet.net/contactus/report_typo.php?story=134688)
SEND US YOUR NEWS TIPS (http://www.castanet.net/contactus/news-tips.php)