Peter Shokeir | [email protected]
Parks Canada has plans for four prescribed fires in Jasper National Park in 2022, with the first one potentially beginning immediately.
The Douglas-fir Hillsides prescribed fire would involve burning one of seven sub-units in Pyramid Bench and could begin as early as March 15 if conditions are right.
The burn would occur less than one kilometer northwest of town, along Mina Lake, and would build upon the success of mechanical thinning in the area.
The fire is meant to help restore the Douglas-fir forest and enhance the landscape-level fireguard around town.
In order of likelihood, prescribed fires may also occur in Henry House, Talbot Lake and Fiddle Complex.
Parks Canada says it will send out notices before moving ahead with any prescribed fires.
Prescribed fires reduce the risk of wildfires, enhance wildlife habitat and help restore forest and grassland ecosystems, according to Parks Canada.
These fires are typically conducted during the spring and fall, when the fire danger is usually lower than the summertime.
Conditions that need to be met include required temperatures, wind speed and direction, relative humidity and fuel conditions.
