BC Wildfire Service crews will be conducting a series of controlled pile burns in the Pemberton area in October and November to remove logging debris and reduce the risk of wildfires in the area.

Burning could begin as early as Oct. 20, but since the timing is dependent on weather conditions, the exact date of these burns cannot be determined in advance. The goal is to remove this wildfire risk this fall.

It is common for logging debris to be gathered in large piles after harvesting is complete. These piles are then often burned during the cooler months of the year, since they could pose a significant wildfire risk if they’re not removed before the arrival of warmer weather.

This wildfire risk mitigation project will comply with the Environmental Management Act and the open burning smoke control regulation to minimize the amount of smoke generated. While the piles are burning, however, smoke will be visible from the communities of Pemberton, Pemberton Meadows, Mount Currie and surrounding areas.

The fires will be carefully monitored at all times.

The burns will only take place if weather conditions allow the fuels to ignite easily and burn quickly and thoroughly. Since burning these piles will only be conducted on days with favourable venting conditions, smoke is expected to move away from nearby communities.

Fuel management in British Columbia is a shared responsibility of the provincial government, local governments, homeowners, First Nations and stakeholders. The Provincial Strategic Threat Analysis project has mapped and identified about 1.7 million hectares of forested areas where wildfire potentially poses a threat to B.C. communities. These controlled burns will help reduce the wildfire risk in the Pemberton area.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.

For the latest information on wildfires in B.C., go to: http://www.bcwildfire.ca

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