Planned burns will make visible smoke near Kelowna
KELOWNA – If you see smoke billowing from the Joe Rich area soon, don't be alarmed.
That's the mssage of The BC Wildfire Service as it prepares to burn approximately 10 piles in Joe Rich, west of Philpott Road beginning Monday, Sept. 30. The burns will conclude by the end of the year.
"The goal of rehabilitating this area is to reduce threat of erosion, re-establish vegetation and reduce future wildfire risk. Removal of these burn piles helps reduce the threat of unwanted wildfires," the Service said in a press release. "The exact timing of the burns will depend on weather, site conditions, venting and timing of snow. They will proceed only if fire behaviour conditions are suitable. Staff from the BC Wildfire Service will carefully prepare, control and monitor the fire at all times. Smoke may be visible from nearby communities, but ignition will proceed only if conditions are suitable and will allow for quick smoke dissipation."
Burns will take place along the top of the ridge west of Philpott Road and are conducted as part of the rehabilitation process of the Philpott Road wildfire, which burnt 465 hectares in August 2017.
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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