For Immediate Release: September 21, 2023 Ministry of Forests BC Wildfire Service
Thursday, September 21, 2023 at 8:11PM Prescribed Burn planned for Rocky Point near Victoria
Correction: The Information Bulletin released earlier this afternoon noted that this prescribed burn was taking place at the Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt. The correct location is the Canadian Forces Base, Rocky Point. Please see the revised bulletin below:
PARKSVILLE – The BC Wildfire Service will be supporting the Department of National Defence in conducting a prescribed burn covering 50 hectares on the Canadian Forces Base, Rocky Point.
The burn site is 13 km Southeast of Sooke on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. Smoke may be visible to residents in Victoria and surrounding communities.
The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions, but it could begin as early as Friday, September 22, 2023. Burning will proceed if conditions are suitable and allow for smoke dispersal during burn operations, though light smoke may linger in the following days.
The goal of this prescribed burn is to mitigate wildfire risks, maintain open natural landscapes for military training, and protect and restore rare Garry Oak ecosystems which support a large number of species at risk. Key goals are to mimic naturally occurring ground fires, reduce the accumulations of dead and combustible material, and decrease the risk of future catastrophic wildfires in the area.
Prescribed burns on this property have been undertaken since 2017, and are undertaken in partnership with BC Wildfire Services, Natural Resources Canada, Parks Canada and the Department of National Defence.
Fire is a normal and natural process in many of B.C.’s ecosystems. The BC Wildfire Service works regularly with land managers to undertake fuel management activities (including the use of prescribed burns), to help reduce the severity of future wildfires and related threats to communities.
Learn more about prescribed burning online, here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/prescribed-burning?keyword=burn&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Prescribed-Burn-Planned-for-Matthew-Creek---Sept-21%2C-2023&utm_source=Envoke-Cranbrook-IB&utm_term=Prescribed-Burn-Planned-for-Matthew-Creek-
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1-800-663-5555 toll free or *5555 on a cellphone. For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air-quality advisories, visit: http://www.bcwildfire.ca
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Contact:
Fire Information Officer
BC Wildfire Service
Coastal Fire Centre 250 951-4209
