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Cranbrook, BC (September 18, 2024) – A prescribed burn is set to begin near Moir Park in Cranbrook as early as Thursday, September 19, 2024, weather permitting. 

This burn is part of a series of planned treatments aimed at managing local wildfire risk. Earlier this month, successful burns were conducted near the Phillips Reservoir on September 9 and at a 10-hectare site west of the Airport Access Road to the Canadian Rockies International Airport on September 10. Given the favorable weather conditions, we are optimistic about achieving similar positive results at Moir Park. 

“With an increased use of the Moir Park site, it is critical that we keep occupants and neighbors safe from the threat of wildfire. Prescribed fire, especially in this case where we are carrying out a re-treatment or a second burn, is the best tool we have available to increase ongoing safety for everyone,” says Scott Driver, Director of Cranbrook Fire & Emergency Services. “The City recognizes that Moir Park currently houses several homeless members of our community, and as such, the City’s Social Development Coordinator has worked hard to coordinate the efforts of many of our communities’ social service groups to address the needs of impacted individuals for the duration of the prescribed burn. Understanding increased use of the land leads to an increased risk of fire. The City is striving to strike a balance that is acceptable and accommodating to all stakeholders, and I am really impressed by the coordination and support that this project has seen from our stakeholder groups.”

The Moir Park site consists mainly of grasses, and since much of the coarse woody debris was burned during the last treatment, we expect less smoke to carry into subsequent days. However, the City advises residents that noticeable smoke may still be present through the weekend.

To reduce your exposure, please keep all windows closed during the burn. For those seeking cleaner air, the Cranbrook Public Library and Western Financial Place will serve as clean air facilities, and the City encourages residents to make use of these spaces as needed.