Rossland set to launch wildfire mitigation initiative

Rossland set to launch wildfire mitigation initiative

Published 9:00 am Sunday, October 18, 2026

The City of Rossland is launching an eight-week wildfire mitigation initiative on Monday, Oct 19.

Rossland’s FireSmart program will reduce hazardous forest fuels on municipal land close to residential areas and trail networks in the Iron Horse Parkland and Iron Colt area.

Contracted crews will focus on clearing surface debris and understory vegetation to lower the threat of wildfire to adjacent homes and the wider community in Upper Rossland and bordering the residential properties along McLeod Avenue.

The activities include fuel reduction by clearing woody debris caused by dead trees and winter storm damage.
Crews will remove ladder fuel by thinning dense thickets of understory conifers near properties, trails, and established control lines.

They will retain large, healthy trees to keep the forest floor cool and moist to preserve the canopy, alongside protecting fire-resistant deciduous trees and shrubs.

The initiative will remove hazardous “danger trees” in compliance with WorkSafeBC regulations, while identifying and protecting high-value wildlife trees.

There will also be controlled pile burning, restricted to days with favorable venting conditions—and providing salvaged firewood.

Work is scheduled to run Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with occasional weekend operations depending on weather conditions.

Residents, motorists, and recreational trail users should prepare for temporary closures of specific areas and trails, with warning signage posted at all main entry and access points.

Be aware that crew trucks and equipment trailers will be parked along roadsides and pullouts, and expect intermittent noise from chainsaws, woodchippers, and utility vehicles.

Smoke may be visible and odors present from burning debris.

Property owners and community members seeking more information or wishing to submit comments regarding the project are advised to contact Tove Pashkowski of Blackwell Consulting Ltd. at 604-313-5285.

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