B.C. Wildfire crews complete a prescribed burn at Kenna Cartwright Park in this undated file photo.
Image Credit: FILE PHOTO
April 03, 2018 - 10:00 AM
KAMLOOPS - With wildfire season just around the corner, the city of Kamloops is partnering with the B.C. Wildfire Service to perform a controlled burn in Kenna Cartwright Park this spring.
The burning will be on the north side of the park between Ridge Trail and Lower Doug Daws mountain bike trail, east of the pond. Based on current conditions, crews are hoping to complete the burn this month.
In a news release, the city says existing trails, roads and a sprinkler system will act as fire boundaries to contain the burn. A "black line" will also be put along the eastern boundary, where there are no existing roads or natural fireguards.
A black line is a controlled burn strip that prevents fire from spreading.
The B.C. Wildfire Service members and a burn boss will monitor the weather, venting index, and site conditions, which will help them indicate when a burn should occur.
According to the release, there will be approximately two days notice before the burn begins, so park users and residents will have advance notice.
Signage will be put up at all Kenna Cartwright Park entrances explaining what a prescribed burn is, and showing a map of the burn area.
Park users are being asked to stay out of the burn area for their safety and the safety of crews working in the area.
Some of the reasons for a controlled burn include protection from wildfires. In the mid-2000s, the pine beetle infestation went through the park and killed approximately 90 per cent of the pines. Those trees have since fallen, resulting in an increased amount of fire fuel.
The city is also partnering with Thompson Rivers University and Simon Fraser University to monitor pre- and post-burn conditions.
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