Prescribed Burn Planned for Rocky Point (DND) Next Week
The District of Metchosin and Metchosin Fire Department are advising residents that the Department of National Defence (DND), through CFB Esquimalt, is planning a prescribed burn at Rocky Point as early as next week.
The prescribed burn is part of the CFB Esquimalt Prescribed Fire Program, which has used controlled fire at Rocky Point since 2017. The program is intended to reduce wildfire risk, manage combustible vegetation, maintain military training areas and support the protection and restoration of sensitive ecosystems and Species at Risk.
BC Wildfire Service is the operational lead for the prescribed burn. The operation is being conducted in partnership with DND and other agencies and organizations involved in wildfire management, land management and ecosystem protection.
Burn dependent on conditions
The prescribed burn will only proceed when weather, fuel, wind, smoke-dispersion and site conditions are suitable, and all necessary operational requirements are met. The final timing will be determined by BC Wildfire Service based on these conditions.
Metchosin Fire Chief Dan Verdun said:
“We recognize that residents may have questions about a prescribed burn following a summer where wildfire risk has been a significant concern. Prescribed fire is a wildfire-risk reduction tool, but it must be conducted under very specific conditions. The burn will only proceed when BC Wildfire Service determines that conditions are appropriate and the operation can be conducted safely and effectively.”
Prescribed burning at Rocky Point has been used to reduce the accumulation of combustible material and help maintain the area's unique Garry Oak ecosystems. Previous prescribed burns have also been conducted in partnership with BC Wildfire Service and other agencies.
What residents may see
If the burn proceeds, residents may notice:
- Smoke visible from surrounding communities;
- Firefighting and support personnel operating in and around Rocky Point;
- Temporary changes to local air quality; and
- Smoke that may linger after active burning has concluded.
Residents are asked to stay clear of the operational area and follow any directions or temporary access restrictions put in place by authorities.
Smoke from the prescribed burn is expected to be visible; however, residents should continue to report any fire or smoke that appears to be outside the prescribed burn area or presents an immediate threat through the normal emergency reporting process.
Continued communication
Metchosin Fire Department is working with CFB Esquimalt and BC Wildfire Service to improve communication and coordination around the operation and minimize impacts on local emergency services and the community.
A further public notification will be provided when the burn window is confirmed and additional operational information is available.
The District of Metchosin appreciates residents' cooperation as agencies work together to reduce future wildfire risk while responsibly managing the Rocky Point landscape.
For further information contact:
Dan Verdun ECFO
Fire Chief
Metchosin Fire Department
Phone: 250-478-1307
firechief@metchosin.ca