Kelowna planning 33-hectare prescribed burn in Knox Mountain Park

The City of Kelowna is planning a 33-hectare prescribed burn in Knox Mountain Park this year.

The prescribed burn planned for the spring or fall this year is meant to mitigate wildfire risks and would be a joint effort between the Kelowna Fire Department, Urban Forestry and BC Wildfire Service in either spring or fall, according to a report to city council.

“The complexity of prescribed fire varies by project. Planning for them can range from many months to several years,” the report said. “With community protection as one of our primary objectives, applying controlled, low-intensity fire during spring or fall allows for safe removal of overgrown vegetation. This reduces the severity and impact of fires and makes forests healthier and more resilient,” the report reads.

The report said fire fuel mitigation efforts were the reason the July 2023 wildfire in the park was contained before it spread to surrounding residential areas.

The prescribed burn is still being planned and reviewed by BC Wildfire Service, but the city said it will give ample notice to residents before it takes place and have open houses to address any concerns.

“A prescribed burn is the planned and controlled application of fire to a specific land area and is one of the most ecologically appropriate means for achieving a variety of land management objectives, such as public safety, protection of communities, protection of critical infrastructure, and ecosystem restoration,” the report said.

If there are risky weather conditions the city said it will avoid burning until it’s safe.

City council is set to receive the report at its meeting on Monday, Feb. 24.