About 20 piles of woody debris will be burned along the perimeter of the 2017 Plateau wildfire site over the next few weeks to help reduce wildfire risks in the region.

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

The piles are located in and around the community of Nazko. Burning will take place near the Chuntezni'i Cemetery on Krestenuk Road, as well as sites along 4100 Road, 5600 Road and 60 Branch Road.

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