Tumbler Ridge receives report on controlled burn activities from BCWS

TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. — The District of Tumbler Ridge received a report regarding controlled burns from the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS). 

At council’s May 6th meeting, a motion was previously made directing staff to contact BCWS about conducting controlled burns as a wildfire mitigation tool within the municipal boundary.

According to the report during their July 2nd council meeting, Enrico Fionda, the Prince George Fire Centre’s chief wildfire prevention officer, said these types of activities are common in communities such as Tumbler Ridge and could be completed to prevent the ignition and transmission of wildfires.

Fionda also mentions that considerable planning is needed in advance of any planned ignition event.

“Planning can take up to a year depending on the scope of the project, and any controlled burn event would be classified as a category two, three, or four open burn subject to the requirements and limitations under which the permit is pulled,” said the report. 

“While some smaller controlled burns may be able to happen this year, it is anticipated that the timeframe needed for proper planning and permitting will push any larger controlled burns into 2025.”

The open fire burnings are also subject to any fire prohibitions in effect. 

BCWS recommended the district identify potential areas inside the municipal boundary while continuing to consult with them. 

“It is foreseeable that the identification of these potential areas will occur during the community wildfire resiliency planning process once a FireSmart coordinator has been hired,” said the report. 

Staff will ensure that any burns are registered on the provincial open fire tracking system. 

Mayor Darryl Krakowka thanked staff for their report and asked if further direction was needed in finding locations for the burn sites. Staff said they did not require further direction. 

The full report can be viewed below: