Controlled burns planned for fall

The B.C. Wildfire Service plans to burn approximately 10 piles in Joe Rich, west of Philpott Road.

The burns are scheduled to start on Monday, Sept. 30, 2019, and will conclude by the end of December 2019.

The exact timing of the burns will depend on weather, site conditions, venting and timing of snow. They will proceed only if fire behaviour conditions are suitable.

“Staff from the B.C. Wildfire Service will carefully prepare, control and monitor the fire at all times. Smoke may be visible from nearby communities, but ignition will proceed only if conditions are suitable and will allow for quick smoke dissipation,” said a release from the Wildfire Service.

The burns will take place along the top of the ridge, west of Philpott Road. They are being conducted as part of the rehabilitation process of the Philpott Road wildfire, which burnt 465 hectares in August 2017.

“The goal of rehabilitating this area is to reduce threat of erosion, re-establish vegetation and reduce future wildfire risk. Removal of these burn piles helps reduce the threat of unwanted wildfires,” stated the release.