West Kelowna wildfire fuel mitigation continues this weekend

West Kelowna Fire Rescue advises that permitted burning will continue throughout the weekend, conditions permitting, as part of a wildfire fuel management project in the Westbank First Nation Community Forest, in the vicinity of Rose Valley.

The Westbank First Nation began the 10-hectare wildfire mitigation project in their community forest, in partnership with West Kelowna Fire Rescue, in October 2014. Burns will continue over the next few weeks as crews make progress in disposing of 1,000 piles of debris collected as part of wildfire mitigation efforts. To date more than half the piles have been disposed of through permitted, controlled burns.

West Kelowna Fire Rescue advises that a professional forester overseeing the Westbank Community Forest burn utilizes a custom venting forecast provided by the Kamloops Fire Centre, indicating a good venting index in Rose Valley and allowing the burning to proceed in that area.

Those given permission to conduct outdoor burning should follow the conditions set out in the permit issued by their local fire department. In West Kelowna, outdoor, monitored burning is allowed on properties greater than one hectare, provided that a permit is obtained from West Kelowna Fire Rescue, the Venting Index is 65 or better, and the Air Quality Index is listed as good.

Up to date Venting and Air Quality Index information for the Central Okanagan is available by calling 1-855-262-BURN (2876).