South Okanaganites should expect to see some smoke rising from areas near Apex Mountain Resort in the days ahead.
In a notice sent out Monday, the BC Wildfire Service said its members are planning to burn about 450 piles of wood debris north of Apex Mountain Resort. Smoke may be visible in the surrounding area, including the Apex Mountain Resort, Hedley, Olalla, Penticton and the Highway 3 and 3A corridors.
“This pile burning is part of an ongoing fuels management project, in partnership with the Mountain Resorts Branch,” BC Wildfire said.
This pile burning is scheduled to start the week of Oct. 23 to 27, and will continue until completed or there is significant snow in the area.
The exact timing of the pile burning will depend on weather, site and venting conditions, and snowfall. It will proceed only if conditions are suitable and will allow for quick smoke dissipation.
Staff from the BC Wildfire Service will carefully prepare, control and monitor these fires at all times.
Activities such as pile burning help reduce wildfire hazards by reducing accumulations of fuels (e.g. dead wood or brush) on the landscape.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, please call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.