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September 23, 2009
Prescribed fire resumes in Kananaskis Country
Kananaskis... Weather permitting, burning operations may resume this week at the Mount Nestor prescribed fire in Spray Valley Provincial Park. This operation simulates the historic role of fire on the landscape: reducing the threat of wildfires to communities within the lower Bow Valley and surrounding area, improving wildlife habitat and removing a pocket of prime mountain pine beetle habitat.
The burn is located within a wilderness area with excellent natural fire containment boundaries. Backcountry users and nearby communities may be affected by temporary trail and campground or shelter closures. Smoke may be visible during burning operations and may settle into nearby valleys during overnight and early morning periods. Every effort will be made to minimize smoke impacts by choosing the best atmospheric conditions for burning.
To keep the public informed about the prescribed fire, signs will be posted throughout communities and current information will be available at www.Kananaskis-Country.ca or by calling 1-866-916-INFO.
Prior to the prescribed fire being ignited, areas within Spray Valley Provincial Park will close, including the Mount Nestor area on the west side of Spray Lakes Reservoir and all trails and lands south of the Spray West Campground. All trails and lands north of the Trail Centre junction at the south end of Spray Lakes Reservoir will also close. Airspace over the prescribed burn site will be closed to all non-essential aircraft.
The Mount Nestor Prescribed fire is a cooperative effort between the Government of Alberta and Parks Canada. The fire boundary consists of a seven-kilometre stretch of the south and southwest-facing slopes where Mount Nestor meets the Spray Reservoir in Spray Valley Provincial Park. Up to 9,300 hectares of forest will be burned: 563 hectares in Spray Valley Provincial Park and 8,737 hectares in Banff National Park. The burn site is located 18 kilometres south of Canmore, and 30 kilometres southeast of Banff.
Editor’s note: A map of the burn area is online at www.tpr.alberta.ca/parks/kananaskis/Mount_Nestor.asp.
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Provincial Wildfire Information Officer |
Ray Schmidt |
Camille Weleschuk |
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