The second phase of the controlled burn started at noon today. More smoke is expected, and hunters are urged to stay away from the area. Photo by Lyonel Doherty
After hearing a hunter discharge a firearm in the Testalinden Creek area, fire officials are urging them to stay away for the time being.
Fire information officer Colette Fauchon said fire crews heard the shots of a suspected hunter in the Togo/Reed Creek area.
“We heard the shots and we heard the truck drive off,” she said, reminding hunters to stay out of the area for the safety of firefighters.
Fauchon said there are a lot of deer in the area, so she can see the appeal that hunters might have. But the area is restricted and members of the public are not allowed.
Fauchon said fire crews have been carrying out the second phase of their controlled burn today. Yesterday they burned off 400 hectares, and today the goal is to burn 200 hectares.
She noted that yesterday’s burn was successful, but they didn’t expect to see so many trees “candling.”
“The intent is to burn off the fine fuels on the forest floor without burning trees.”
She acknowledged that some trees caught fire and rolled down the hill, catching other trees on fire.
“We’re not able to chase them all . . . it is so dry.”
Fauchon said people can expect to see more smoke this afternoon, but less tomorrow.
She pointed out that a 20-foot wide fire guard (down to bare earth) is located above Fairview Mountain Golf Course and is being monitoring by crews to ensure the fire does not jump across it.
Another area they are watching closely is the Fairview cemetery, Fauchon pointed out.
“This is the one piece of property that we protect,” she said.
Fauchon said night patrols will continue.
