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Reducing risk of wildfires at Waskesiu

May 2, 2017 | 10:00 AM

Plans to reduce the risk of dangerous wildfires are underway in Prince Albert National Park.

Prescribed fires will burn in the Waskesiu community fuel break between May 1 and 5. The fuel break is an area of thinned and cleared forest that surrounds the town. A portion of it is burned each year to reduce potential kindling like dead and downed woody debris. The area grows back with new green grass that would potentially slow or stop a fire from entering the townsite.

 

Officials said smoke will be visible in and around Waskesiu and intermittent road closures may occur while firefighters work in ditches. It takes roughly one dozen fire personnel a half day to complete the burn, which is then monitored for several days to ensure the fire is completely out.