Parks Canada and Waskesiu Fire Department hold controlled burn
- EFN Staff | April 23, 2015
Two structural firefighters based in Waskesiu had the opportunity to assist Parks Canada wildland firefighters in implementing a controlled grass fire in the community’s fuel break.
Parks Canada is a leader in fire management and uses the program to reduce wildfire risk and improve park ecosystems. On April 16, the Waskesiu Fire Department participated in park wildland interface fire operations to reinforce the protective band that surrounds Waskesiu.
“It’s completely different than what we do with the fire department,” said firefighter Taryn Ferguson. “We’ve never dealt with a grass fire before and so having this practical experience adds to the theory we’ve learned and if needed, now we might be able to assist Parks Canada.”
Jim Durnin, fire operations manager with Prince Albert National Park said taking preventative measures before conducting prescribed fires around the town is critical. He said fires are only ignited in early spring because they self-extinguish usually by the end of the day and smoke impacts are minimal.
“Our priority during a prescribed fire is to minimize risk by burning only in conditions that allow the fire to be controlled and contained within identified boundaries,” said Durnin. “The safety of firefighters, visitors, neighbours and facilities are always top of mind.”
Paul See, chief of the Waskesiu Fire Department said that investing in co-operative training gives Parks Canada the option of assigning the department a role in the event of an incident.
He said, “The Waskesiu firefighters are very excited to be partnering with Parks Canada to learn more about wildland interface firefighting. Having this experience in advance of a wildfire increases our capacity to assist if called upon.”
“The result of the Waskesiu community fuel break prescribed fire,” said Durnin, “is that by burning flashy fuels such as dead grass, new grass will grow in more quickly and create a green space that will act as a barrier to slow down potential wildfires that may threaten Waskesiu during extreme fire conditions.”
The community fuel break prescribed fire is also a good example of how Parks Canada is supporting the National Conservation Plan, as it contributes to the conservation of Canada’s lands and waters. The annual controlled fire is visible to almost every visitor entering Prince Albert National Park. They can see firsthand how fire positively enhances an ecosystem and renews habitat for wildlife.
The prescribed fire took seven Parks Canada staff roughly three hours. The site was monitored for hot spots in the days following the fire to make sure it was completely extinguished.
For more information about prescribed fire and Parks Canada’s successful fire management program, visit the Parks Canada national fire web page, go to the local park website, and follow the park on Twitter @ParksCanada_SK in English and @ParcsCanada_SK in French.
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