Piles of woody debris will be burned in the 70 Mile House and 100 Mile House areas this fall and winter to help reduce wildfire risks in the region.

The piles were created during the rehabilitation of fireguards constructed during the 2018 wildfire season. A fireguard is an area around the perimeter of a wildfire that is cleared of trees and other vegetation to help slow the fire’s spread.

Most of the piles are located in remote areas, but the public may see smoke near 70 Mile House during a burning operation planned for Monday, Nov. 18, 2019. Staff from the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development will oversee the controlled burning of about 40 piles, about 10 kilometres east of that community. These piles were created as a result of the Young Lake wildfire.

Another 150 piles will be burned throughout the region before Feb. 15, 2020. Burning will occur only on days when site and weather conditions are favourable and will allow smoke to dissipate.

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 current wildfire activity, burning restrictions and air quality advisories, visit: www.bcwildfire.ca