CFB Suffield to conduct prescribed burns Sept. 29 to Oct. 3
Smoke may be visible near Medicine Hat as the base carries out planned burns in its National Wildlife Area to support prairie ecosystems.
Why it matters
Nearby residents may notice smoke and emergency vehicle activity but should not expect disruption to daily life.
Canadian Forces Base Suffield will conduct prescribed burns in its National Wildlife Area from Tuesday, Sept. 29 through Saturday, Oct. 3, weather permitting. Residents in the Medicine Hat area may see smoke on the horizon and increased emergency vehicle activity near the base during the operation.
The base says the burns are planned environmental management activities meant to maintain healthy prairie ecosystems and support species at risk, including the Ord's Kangaroo Rat. Fire suppression resources will be on site throughout, and burns will only proceed when weather conditions are deemed appropriate.
CFB Suffield says there is no anticipated impact to daily activities outside the base perimeter and no danger to surrounding communities. The National Wildlife Area covers more than 45,000 hectares of native prairie, and the burns are part of ongoing land-management efforts, following earlier prescribed burns this year in the base's Range and Training Areas as part of a fire mitigation plan.
Residents with questions or concerns can contact CFB Suffield Range Control at 403-544-4310.
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