The BC Wildfire Service is planning to burn about 75 piles of wood debris in the Mount Kobau area, about 15 kilometres northwest of Osoyoos. These burns are scheduled to start on Monday, Nov. 7 and will be concluded by the end of December 2016.

The pile burning will take place on Mount Kobau and also north along the ridge to Reed Lake. Smoke may be visible from Osoyoos and surrounding areas.

The exact timing of the burns will depend on weather conditions, site conditions and snow cover, and they will only proceed if venting conditions are favourable. All such burns must comply with the Environmental Management Act and the open burning smoke control regulation to help minimize the amount of smoke generated.

Trained BC Wildfire Service staff will carefully monitor these fires at all times.

These burns are being conducted as part of the rehabilitation process for the Testalinden Creek wildfire, which burned 5,202 hectares in August 2015. The primary goals are to reduce the threat of erosion and promote the re-establishment of vegetation in the area. The removal of these burn piles will also help reduce the threat of unwanted wildfires in future.

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

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