Southern Rockies

Southern Rockies Prescribed Fire

Environment and Sustainable Resource Development will continue prescribed fire operations in the Southern Rockies areas. Prescribed fires are planned for Mount Nestor, Buller Creek and West Castle.

Each prescribed fire is based on a site assessment and the identification of specific objectives, while substantially contributing to wildfire management preparedness and community safety. Proponents and partners in the Southern Rockies Area include Parks Canada, Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation, various municipalities and improvement districts, towns and villages within the Forest Protection Area, plus Lands and Range and Fish and Wildlife divisions.

Surveys of rare plants, archaeological sites and vegetation have been completed in the proposed burn areas. Specific sites that have been identified will be protected during the prescribed fire operations.

Prescribed Fire in Mountainous Terrain

Much of the Southern Rockies Area is forested and located in the foothills and mountainous terrain of the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies. Topography and weather can present certain challenges when conducting prescribed fires in mountainous terrain. These challenges include assessing weather and fuel moisture conditions at various elevations and potential unpredictable changes in wind direction. Wind direction plays a key role in effective smoke management as many of the prescribed fires are close to communities.

Page Navigation

Skip to breadcrumb trail

Page Information

Updated: Oct 31, 2012