Controlled burns could mean smoky skies for South Okanagan

OSOYOOS – The skies in the South Okanagan could be a little smoky starting next week and lasting to the end of December 2016.

A planned burn of about 75 piles of wood debris in the Mount Kobau area, located approximately 15 kilometres northwest of Osoyoos, is set to begin on Nov. 7, Fire Information Officer Kelsey Winter says in a release.

Crews will be burning piles on Mount Kobau and north along the ridge to Reed Lake.

Winter says Osoyoos and the surrounding areas may see some smoke during the burning period.

Weather conditions, site conditions, and snow cover will all dictate the timing of the burns.

Burns will only proceed if proper venting conditions are in place, Winter says.

Fires will be monitored by B.C. Wildfire staff at all times.

"These burns are being conducted as part of the rehabilitation process for the Testalinden Creek wildfire, which burned 5,202 hectares in August 2015. The primary goals are to reduce the threat of erosion and promote the re-establishment of vegetation in the area. The removal of these burn piles will also help reduce the threat of unwanted wildfires in future," Winter says.

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