Smoke may be visible from Highway 97, south of Quesnel, as piles of woody debris are burned over the next few weeks to reduce wildfire risks in the area.

Burning is expected to begin in mid-January or late January and will be completed by Feb. 28, 2020.

Between 60 and 80 piles will be burned at the site of the 2017 Twan Lake wildfire. Smoke from these burn piles may be visible in the community of ?Esdilagh.

An additional 22 piles will be burned at the site of the 2017 Narcolsi Creek fire, along 10A Road. Smoke from this burn may be visible in the Kersley area and from the Nazko Highway.

The piles were created during the rehabilitation of fireguards that were 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 a fire's spread.

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

For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions and air quality advisories, visit: www.bcwildfire.ca