KAMLOOPS — Wildfires are not a big concern in March, but the time is right for prescribed burns.
For the second time in a week a controlled burn covering 20 hectares was conducted in Kenna Cartwright park today (March 21).
It’s a joint effort between the B.C. Wildfire Service and the City of Kamloops to reduce the risk of interface fires.
Max Birkner with the B.C. Wildfire service told CFJC Today, “we’re taking advantage of the early snow melt right now to rid the terrain of tree litter and dry grass and the kind of things that can pose a fire risk later on in the season.”
After having success from a trial run of the burn last year crews are setting fire to a total of 40 hectares on the west side of the Kenna Cartwright Park.
One of the main goals of the burn is to protect homes and infrastructure surrounding the park, but there are other benefits.
“It’s important to try and give the landscape a chance to act in a more natural way. It’s also important because it’s easier for the deer to eat the grass once we get rid of the old dead grass from the winter.” said Bryce Moreira, a firefighter with the B.C. Wildfire Service.
Although it is still early in the season, officials are warning the public to be cautious.
“With the early snow melt, there’s always a possibility and a danger that fire could break out, so we are asking the public to be very careful,” said Birkner.
The flames are expected to burn out this evening (March 21) and crews will continue to monitor the area for the next two to three days.
