RESTORING FIRE AT PUKASKWA NATIONAL PARK
HERON BAY, ON – Parks Canada plans to conduct a prescribed fire in Pukaskwa National Park between May 30 and June 2, weather permitting.
The prescribed fire will occur near Willow Lake in a 425 hectare mixed-wood area located in the north central part of the park’s backcountry. The site is approximately 7 kilometers south of the park’s northern boundary and 30 kilometres east of the park’s administration building. The goal is to re-introduce fire to 50% of the area.
Planning for prescribed fires takes into consideration all the precautions necessary to contain the fire in the prescribed fire zone. Containing the fire within the boundary is being done by a combination of methods including natural barriers and favourable weather conditions. The fire will be set from helicopters equipped with an aerial ignition device, but ground crews using handheld drip torches may also be deployed. Fire control will be maintained using trained and experienced Parks Canada fire management staff.
Fire is an essential and natural process in the boreal forest. Parks Canada uses prescribed fires to promote biodiversity. Prescribed fires are one way that Pukaskwa National Park ensures that the health of the park’s boreal forest ecosystem is protected for the appreciation and enjoyment of present and future generations.
Information and updates regarding the timing of the Willow Lake prescribed fire will be available at www.parkscanada.gc.ca/pukaskwa.
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION OF THE PRESCRIBED FIRE:
Willow Lake; 55 km southeast of Marathon; 60 km west from White River; 20 km east from Lake Superior
