See smoke? Don’t panic, there’s a planned burn south of Kamloops

KAMLOOPS — The B.C. Wildfire Service wants Kamloops and nearby communities to know they may be conducting a prescribed burn just south of the Tournament Capital today.

A six-hectare prescribed burn is scheduled today, May 3, near Goose Lake. The area is near Lac Le Jeune Road, approximately nine kilometres south of Kamloops, B.C. Wildfire Service says in a media release.

The prescribed burn is being conducted by the provincial wildfire service and the Tk’emlups Forestry Development Corporation. It could start as early as noon today depending on the weather, along with the conditions at the site. Ignition will only proceed if conditions are suitable and will allow for quick smoke dissipation.

The Goose Lake burn is being done to assist with prescribed fire research, encourage regeneration in Douglas fir stands and promote ecosystem restoration, the wildfire service says. The low-intensity surface fire will mimic a naturally occurring ground fire and remove pine grass, small branches and other combustible material to help with future replanting and improve forage for wildlife.

B.C. Wildfire Service staff will control and monitor the fire at all times. It’s possible smoke will be visible from Kamloops and nearby communities.  

The #BCWildfire Service and the Tk'emlups Forestry Development Corporation plan to conduct a 6 ha prescribed burn near Goose Lake, 9 km south of #Kamloops. This could begin as early as noon today, depending on weather, site & venting conditions. More info: https://t.co/x3ix2r0KNw

— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) May 3, 2019

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