Piles of woody debris will be burned near the site of the 2017 Kleena Kleene wildfire to help reduce wildfire risks in the area.

Burning operations could begin as early as Monday, Nov. 25, 2019, and will continue periodically until about Feb. 15, 2020. Smoke may be visible from Highway 20 and from neighbouring communities.

These controlled burns will be conducted by staff from the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. Burning will only occur on days when site and weather conditions are favourable and will allow smoke to dissipate.

The piles were created during the rehabilitation of fireguards constructed during the 2017 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.

Due to the large size of the Kleena Kleene wildfire, which burned more than 25,500 hectares, there are about 300 piles of woody debris in this area. The average size of the piles is about four metres high by four metres wide.

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