Experimental Burn Today

By 250 News

Scientists are standing by, the crews are in place, ready for experimental burns at Carrot Lake about 100 kms southwest of Vanderhoof.

Two plots of beetle kill trees will be set on fire around 1:00 today  so scientists can record how flames move through a beetle stand

Although the burn will be managed to minimize the risk of escape and excessive smoke, members of the public are advised that there is still the potential for some smoke in the area. Recreation sites in the vicinity include Big Bend Meadow, Lavoie Lake, Chutanli Lake and Tanli.

The Carrott Lake Mountain Pine Beetle Experimental Fire Study is being conducted jointly by B.C. Forest Service and Natural Resources Canada - Canadian Forest Service. The full study involves the lighting of 11 research plots that contain lodgepole pine in the red-attack stage. Each of the plots, ranging in size up to 200 metres square, are surrounded by a fire guard and fire retardant.

Scientists will monitor the behaviour of fire in these plots to assess the hazard associated with beetle-killed stands. Results will help fire managers respond more effectively to fires in such stands, and will also be used to update the provincial fuel maps used for fire preparedness planning and fire behaviour forecasting.

Email | Print | Facebook | Twitter | Digg | Del.icio.us