The BC Wildfire Service plans to burn 11 piles of woody debris northwest of Summerland to help rehabilitate the site of the Finlay Creek wildfire and reduce wildfire risks in the area.

These burns will take place east of Fish Lake Road, about two kilometres west of Mount Acland. They are scheduled to start as early as Monday, Nov. 18, 2019, and will continue periodically until about April 30, 2020.

Smoke from these burn piles may be visible from nearby communities.

The exact timing of the burns will depend on site, weather, venting and snow conditions. Burning will proceed only if conditions are suitable and allow smoke to dissipate. Staff from the BC Wildfire Service will carefully prepare, control and monitor these fires.

The Finlay Creek wildfire burned 2,224 hectares in September 2017. The goals of rehabilitating this area are to reduce the threat of erosion and promote the re-establishment of vegetation. Removing this woody debris will also reduce the threat of unwanted wildfires in the area.

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

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