Depending on the weather over the next few weeks, there may be a column of smoke rising above the Garnet Lake area.
The Penticton Indian Band Natural Resource Department, in conjunction with provincial and local partners, plans to conduct a prescribed burn in the Garnet Lake area within the next 1-3 weeks.
This prescribed burn, weather permitting, will cover about 120 hectares northwest of Summerland and southwest of Peachland. Smoke from these fires may be visible from nearby communities but firefighting crews from the PIB and the B.C. Wildfire Service will monitor the fires at all times.
The decision on when to proceed with the burns will depend on weather and site conditions, they will only take place when conditions are suitable and allow for quick smoke dissipation.
This controlled burn will help restore and enhance natural important wildlife habitat and reduce the risk of wildfire to nearby properties. Historically, the landscape in the Garnet Valley would have been renewed through frequent, low-intensity ground fires, preventing tree encroachment, rejuvenating understory plants and helping maintain open grasslands and forests with large trees.
The Garnet Valley prescribed burn is an opportunity to bring public attention to the ecological and cultural use of fire by the PIB. Reducing hazardous fuel loading to enhance public safety and resilience in the area, as well as restoring ungulate habitat and forest stand structure are mutually beneficial results.
The re-introduction of managed, low-intensity ground fires to the landscape is intended to restore ecosystems and maintain plant communities native to these areas. This work will also improve habitat and foraging opportunities for wildlife and decrease the risk of catastrophic wildfires in this area in the future. These prescribed burn projects are part of an ongoing ecosystem restoration program administered by the PIB Natural Resource Department in partnership with the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, along with Davies Wildfire.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, please call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.
Steve Kidd
Senior reporter, Penticton Western News
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