In its efforts to reduce wildfire risks this year, B.C.’s Forests Ministry has appointed several controlled burns off Highway 97 south of Prince George.
These scheduled wood-pile burns are being set up around the perimeter of three major Cariboo-region wildfires from 2017 unprecedented season in which over 12,000 sq. km. of land were burned.
The piles are around Nazko (Plateau wildfire), Esdilagh (Twan Lake wildfire) and Kersley off 10A Road (Narcolsi Creek).
There will be a combined 100 piles will be smoking starting mid-January and are expected to be completed by the end of February.
Ministry staff will be responsible for the burns and will only take place when weather conditions are favourable.
“The piles were created during the rehabilitation of fireguards that were constructed during the 2017 wildfire season,” reads a provincial government statement.
“A fireguard is an area around the perimeter of a wildfire that is cleared of trees and other vegetation to help slow a fire's spread.”
Residents are asked to not be alarmed if they see smoke from these areas.
More information is available on the B.C. government’s website.
