The Southeast Fire Centre will be conducting a habitat enhancement burn on the unceded and traditional territory of the Ktunaxa Nation, Ktunaxa ʔamakʔis, and ʔakanuxunik’ ʔamakʔis, Tobacco Plains Indian Band traditional territory, approximately four kilometres southeast of the community of Grasmere.
This burn could begin as early as Saturday, April 13.
Burning will proceed if conditions are suitable to achieve objectives and allow for smoke dispersal, though smoke may linger in the following days, particularly the morning after burn operations. Despite all precautions to manage it, unintended smoke impacts are possible after any burn.
Smoke will be highly visible from Grasmere and surrounding communities and to motorists travelling Highway 93. Residents can expect to see helicopters in the air during the burn, as they will be assisting in ignition.
Key goals of this prescribed burn include:
• Improve winter and transitional habitat for mule deer and bighorn sheep,
• Enhance forest openings to increase movement corridors and sightlines for predator avoidance,
• Rejuvenate important forage species to support wildlife,
• Help restore forest health and properly functioning open forest conditions, and
• Reduce forest fuels to decrease the long-term wildfire risk.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.
READ: Fire on the landscape: ʔaq̓am prescribed burn puts Ktunaxa knowledge into practice