Controlled burn set for early March

B.C. Wildfire crews will be overseeing a prescribed burn near Kelowna early next month.

The Wildfire Service (BCWS) said it would be working with the Westbank First Nation to conduct a cultural and prescribed burn in the McCulloch area.

Preparations for the burn are expected to begin on the week of March 4, with the burning scheduled for as early as March 11.

It was noted the exact timing of the prep work and burning will be dependent on weather and venting conditions, and ignitions will only be done if conditions are suitable.

The BCWS stated this burn will be part of a larger, ongoing project involving 40 hectares this year.

“This burn will provide critical cross training opportunities for staff of Westbank First Nation and the BC Wildfire Service,” the service stated in a release.

“The purpose of this cultural and prescribed burn is to reduce the build up of dead grass, increasing the productivity of traditional foods and improving winter grazing for wildlife. This prescribed burn will improve public safety through a reduction in fuel loading (standing and surface fuel) within the wildland urban interface.”

Smoke from the prescribed burn may be visible from Kelowna, West Kelowna and even Lake Country, but the BCWS and the Westbank First Nation will be controling and monitoring the burn to ensure it does not get out of control.