During a Thursday, Sept. 4 prescribed fire operation in Mount Revelstoke National Park, heavy smoke could be seen from town, sparking worry in Revelstoke.
Prescribed burns visible from town are not uncommon. But this year’s previous spring burn operations focused on clearing out surface vegetation within a smaller work area, creating thin columns of smoke dotting the side of Mount Revelstoke National Park facing town.
September’s burn operations focused on creating a fuel break within the park, requiring higher levels of heat and fire activity to properly clear out and allow future modification of undergrowth, vegetation, trees and brush.
“Fuel breaks help slow the speed of an approaching wildfire,” Sierra Stinson, Parks Canada fire information officer for Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks said. “This also provides a safer location for fire crews to access and engage the fire perimeter.”
While the noticeable pillar of smoke, coupled with wildfire smoke moving into the region had some questioning the safety of the operations, Stinson explained that level of smoke from the controlled burn was a good sign for crews.
“The column was very visible, which indicates that our desired objective was being met,” Stinson said.
Burns of that intensity, along with other prescribed fire operations not only reduce future fuel and create fire breaks, it can also help restore and maintain ecological integrity.
Work in the prescribed burn areas on Mount Revelstoke is expected to carry on through the fall, with crews monitoring hot spots and assessing hazardous trees. For up-to-date prescribed fire information, closures and wildfire activity within Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks, check out the Parks Canada website and social media page.
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