See smoke? Controlled burns in the central Okanagan

If you see smoke coming from central Okanagan mountains on Monday, it’s likely because of controlled burns.

Thanks to good air quality and venting conditions, the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) is doing controlled burning in the southern portion of Glen Canyon Regional Park in West Kelowna.

Open burning is also allowed Monday for eligible property owners in the area.

“[Monday’s] burning continues the disposal of fire hazard debris piles collected in a large fuel modification project on just over 15-hectares between the trail entrances at Hebert and Brown Roads and Westbank Centre Park, south to the Gellatly Road parking area,” said Bruce Smith with the RDCO in a news release.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "[Monday's] burning continues the disposal of fire hazard debris piles collected in a large fuel modification project on just over 15-hectares between the trail entrances at Hebert and Brown Roads and Westbank Centre Park, south to the Gellatly Road parking area," said Bruce Smith with the RDCO in a news release.

When conditions allow this spring, Smith says more controlled burns are expected for the removal of fire hazard debris piles collected in a multi-year fuel modification project by the B.C. Wildfire Service.

The project encompasses a 10-hectare section of Rose Valley Regional Park in West Kelowna.

As a result of the controlled burning, trails through these areas might be closed temporarily.

“Park users are asked to watch for signs advising that trails are closed and that they stay out of any closed areas of the parks,” said Smith.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Park users are asked to watch for signs advising that trails are closed and that they stay out of any closed areas of the parks," said Smith.