A prescribed burn on Deer Park Mountain is expected to go ahead this weekend, with site preparation begining this afternoon.
The BC Wildfire Service said the burn will cover up to 450 hectares within one kilometre of Deer Park.
Preparatory work is getting underway today. The Southeast Fire Centre said that work might result in some visible smoke in Deer Park and for people using the lake.
The burn itself will likely be visible from Castlegar and Robson, depending on weather and site conditions.
Helicopters will also be visible in the area during the burn, as they’ll be used to support ignition operations.
The wildfire service said the burn aims to reduce the accumulation of ground fuels, restore forest health and reduce the risk of a future catastrophic wildfire.
Burning will only proceed if conditions are suitable to achieve objectives and allow for appropriate smoke dispersal, though smoke may linger in the following days, particularly the morning after burn operations
The burn area is located near Deer Park and smoke may also be visible from Renata, Edgewood and surrounding communities, as well as to motorists travelling along Highway 6 and Broadwater Road.
The project could be completed in multiple stages as conditions allow over the next month.
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