Fire protection and restoration projects

Across the country, Parks Canada’s fire management program works to protect communities, restore and maintain ecosystem health, and create landscapes that are more resilient to climate change.

On this page

• Wildfire risk reduction projects
• Prescribed fires
• How you can help

Wildfire risk reduction projects

Parks Canada is committed to reducing the risk of wildfires to communities, visitors, infrastructure, and natural and cultural resources on the lands it manages.

Current projects

Fall, 2024

Parks Canada is implementing a wildfire risk reduction project using the principles of FireSmart Canada at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site.

This work is focused at the Science Centre complex, located near the park boundary at Highway 8, which houses Resource Conservation operations and staff accommodations.

This work includes the following activities:

• removing all vegetation within 1.5 m and selectively thinning to 10m around the 4 main structures and outbuildings of the Science Centre complex (FireSmart Canada “Immediate” and “Intermediate” zones)
• selectively thinning vegetation to 30 m (FireSmart Canada “Extended” zone)
• improving emergency response by refurbishing a local water supply pond, for use in fighting fires in Kejimkujik and in the community of Maitland Bridge

Debris from these operations will be removed or chipped on site.

The goal of this work is to make park buildings and assets more resilient to wildfire, and to provide a demonstration site for members of the Maitland Bridge community on practical steps they can also take to protect their homes from wildfire.

Map of FireSmart Treatment Zones

This map shows the structures and the selective vegetation thinning zones: the immediate zone, the intermediate zone (10 m buffer) and the extended zone (30 m buffer).

FireSmart Canada

FireSmart Canada develops practical, effective, and science-based guidelines and activities that help individuals, groups and communities adapt their properties to reduce the risk of damage and the spread of wildfires.

Parks Canada uses these guidelines reduce wildfire risks to communities and infrastructure near national parks and national historic sites.

 

Prescribed fires

Prescribed fires help to restore healthy forests and grasslands, enhance habitat for wildlife and reduce the risk of wildfire to our communities.

Prescribed fire operations will only be conducted when predetermined weather and site conditions are met.

Current prescribed fires

No prescribed fires are planned at this time.

How you can help

• Report any wildfires, illegal campfires, or suspicious smoke to Parks Canada at 1-800-565-2224 or call 911.
• Always check to see if there’s a fire ban.
• Follow Parks Canada visitor guidelines related to firewood and fires:
  • Only build a campfire in a designated metal fire box.
  • Keep your fire small and under control. Never leave a fire unattended.
  • Make sure your fire is completely out before you go to bed at night or leave your campsite.
• Be FireSmart at home. Visit FireSmart for tips on protecting your home.