Y-CAMP PRESCRIBED FIRE PREPARATION IN WATERTON TODAY – April 28, 2022

Y-CAMP PRESCRIBED FIRE PREPARATION IN WATERTON TODAY

April 28, 2022

Parks Canada will burn vegetation today, April 28, 2022 to prepare fireguards for the upcoming Y-Camp prescribed fire in spring 2022. Fireguards are strategically planned barriers to prevent fire spread that may take advantage of natural terrain features or are constructed to keep prescribed fires within a predetermined area.

You may see smoke and there may be temporary impacts or closures in these areas:

2. Waterton River to Chief Mtn. Highway

• Maskinonge Day Use Area and Overlook will be closed temporarily, minor smoke impacts on Highway 5 for short durations possible.
• For brief periods, flames may be visible from the road.
• Vehicles, crews and equipment will be working in the area including along the highway. Please slow down and drive with caution for their safety and yours.

1. Highway 5 Contingency Line

• Smoke will be visible from the road with minimal impact. Flames may be visible.
• Crews and vehicles will working be in the area, including along the highway. Please slow down and drive with caution for their safety and yours.

There is no need to call 911 or other emergency services to report smoke in the area.

The objective of the Y-Camp prescribed fire is to restore native prairie by reducing aspen and evergreen tree expansion onto grasslands. Historic photographs show that fire suppression has allowed trees to encroach on park grasslands, with as much as 30% of grasslands lost over the last 100 years.

For more information: newsletter-view-online