"Lot 79" Prescribe Burn Operations
- Buyer
- ʔaq̓am First Nation
- Location
- British Columbia, CAN
- Closing date
- Jul 29, 2026
- Published
- Jul 16, 2026
- Province or region
- British Columbia
- Notice type
- Open to bid
- Reference number
- 00005125794
- Solicitation number
- 231985
Summary
ʔaq̓am First Nation seeks contractors to carry out prescribed burns on Lot 79 (137 ha) within Kootenay IR 1 near Cranbrook Airport, BC. The area is split into five Treatment Units (TU4 ≈44 ha scheduled Fall 2026) to reduce wildfire risk, restore ecosystem function, and protect nearby homes and infrastructure.
From the notice
The community of ʔaq̓am wishes to continue prescribed burning on ʔaq̓am lands to reduce wildfire risk and return the land base to pre-colonial conditions. The Lot 79 (map included in next section) area is 137 ha and is within the southwest corner of Kootenay IR 1 and adjacent to the Cranbrook Airport. Nearby infrastructure includes homes, distribution lines, fence lines and many other values. The Lot 79 burn unit has been split into 5 Treatment Units (TU’s) to allow flexibility regarding resourcing, burning windows, meeting objectives, and increased community engagement throughout the project. TU 4 (approximately 44 ha) is anticipated for implementation in Fall 2026, with other units proceeding in future burn windows (planned for spring 2027). Objectives of the project include ecosystem enhancement by reducing dense trees, revitalizing herbs and ungulate forage, reducing wildfire risk to nearby homes, and continuing ʔaq̓am led land stewardship.