Wildfire risk reduction burns to happen this week along Fox Farm Road

Local residents may notice smoke in the area this week as the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) in conjunction with Cascades Natural Resource District will be conducting a wildfire risk reduction project along Fox Farm Road.

According to an press release the BCWS said  crews will be burning up to 50 piles approximately five kilometres southeast of the City of Merritt.

The purpose of this project is to help mitigate wildfire risk in the area by reducing the accumulation of fuels (e.g., tree limbs, woody debris, organic material).

Smoke may be visible from Merritt and surrounding areas, and to motorists travelling along Highway 5.

The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions, but it could begin as early as Tuesday, April 14, and will be ongoing until Friday, May 1.

Burning will proceed if conditions are suitable and allow for smoke dispersal during burn operations, though smoke may also linger in the following days.