Phase one of a controlled burn above Nelson’s Mountain Station is set to begin this week and residents are warned that smoke may be visible in town.
A media release from Nelson Fire Rescue Services stated that the burn is being conducted by Anderson Creek Timber with the goal of reducing wildfire risks in the area.
The release says several strategies are in place to mitigate the smoke impact, prioritize safety, and ensure all regulations are followed to protect environmental sensitivity.
To prevent significant smoke, burn piles will be kept to a manageable size, with fuel added over time.
Small piles burn more efficiently and create less smoke, stated the release.
To ensure community safety burn piles have been placed against resource roads offering a fuel-free buffer.
Anderson Creek Timber has also equipped its crews with firefighting equipment and tools to ensure swift response to unforeseen incidents.
In addition to reducing the impact of smoke and promoting public safety, the release emphasizes that considerable attention is also being given to factors such as venting and wind patterns.
“While there may be times where natural wind inversion could lead to smoke drifting down the mountain and into the city, Anderson Creek Timber is taking great efforts to only burn on days with optimal venting to mitigate that,” explained Nelson’s fire chief Jeff Hebert in the release.
Nelson Fire Rescue says conducting these controlled burns reduces the accumulation of combustible materials in the forest, significantly reducing the risk of wildfires in the area.
