The B.C Wildfire Service said it will conduct a series of controlled open burns in the Pidherny area to help reduce Douglas fir beetle population.
It's scheduled to begin Thursday and continue periodically until Oct. 11, weather pending.
"Trained firefighting crews will carefully control and monitor the fires at all times," BCWS said. "Smoke may be visible along North Nechako Road and Foothills Boulevard."
Piles of so-called "trap trees" will be burned. They were set to attract the beetles during their flight period from May to August.
"Trap trees are more successful attracting adult Douglas fir beetles than standing trees," BCWS said. "Every trap tree can potentially protect eight to 10 healthy trees nearby.
"Once the adult beetles and their larvae are established within a trap tree, those logs are gathered into piles and burned to kill the beetles and larvae."
The intent is to extinguish the burning piles within 24 hours.
