Controlled burning throughout the Westbank First Nation Community Forest, particularly in the vicinity of Rose Valley, will continue through the weekend.
In light of this wildfire fuel mitigation, West Kelowna Fire Rescue is advising caution while the permitted burn continues.
The Westbank First Nation began the 10-hectare wildfire mitigation project in their community forest in October 2014. The Westbank First Nation will be working on this project in partnership with West Kelowna Fire Rescue.
Burns will continue over the next few weeks, as crews make progress in disposing of 1,000 piles of debris collected. To date, more than half the piles have been disposed of through permitted, controlled burns.
The District of West Kelowna reminds citizens that a majority of the Okanagan is under a ‘fair’ ventilation advisory, meaning that burning is not permitted in most of Central Okanagan as of Friday.
West Kelowna Fire Rescue, however, was given the green light by the Kamloops Fire Centre to go ahead with the Rose Valley burn. This decision came after a custom venting forecast indicated a good venting index for Rose Valley.
It’s important for anyone conducting an outdoor burn to follow the conditions set out by their local fire department. In West Kelowna, outdoor, monitored burning is allowed on properties greater than one hectare. The venting index must be 65 or better, and the air quality must be listed as "good."
Current venting and air quality index information for Central Okanagan is available by calling 1-855-262 BURN (2876).
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