Peterson Creek Nature Park prescribed burn to ignite Thursday

“Fire reduces the buildup of dead vegetation, fallen branches, and other fuels, lowering the risk of severe wildfires. Prescribed burning can also remove invasive species, return nutrients to the soil, and support plant diversity.”

The burn will take place south of the Trans Canada Highway and to the north and east of Whiteshield Crescent.

The city says it will close the Grassland Trail, Grasslands Loop, Tom Moore Connector and Ridge View Trail sometime Thursday afternoon as the fires are lit. The Tom Moore and Grouse Gulch trails are expected to remain open.

(Image Credit: Contributed / City of Kamloops)

The project is expected to wrap up before the end of the day, and Community Services Officers will be patrolling the area.

“We recognize residents may experience some temporary inconvenience during the burn, and that the burn area may look different than people are used to seeing this fall and winter,” said Kathleen Cahoon, the city’s FireSmart Liaison. “However, these short-term impacts are outweighed by the long-term benefits.”

“Prescribed burns help reduce wildfire risk, protect our community and critical infrastructure and support healthier, more resilient ecosystems. This work is an important investment in the safety and sustainability of Peterson Creek Nature Park for years to come.”

The burn is part of a larger, 17-hectare strategy at Peterson Creek Park, which was initially set to begin in spring 2025. However, it has been postponed on numerous occasions, most recently this past spring due to unfavourable weather or to completed culturally modified tree assessments within the area.

More information on this prescribed burn can be found here.

by James Peters

Peterson Creek Nature Park prescribed burn to ignite Thursday

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