Canal Flats residents and drivers along Highway 93/95 could see and smell smoke as an ecosystem restoration burn gets underway south of the community.
The BC Wildfire Service is supporting the Nature Conservancy of Canada with the prescribed burn at Kootenay River Ranch, about eight kilometres south of Canal Flats.
The wildfire service said burning could begin as early as Friday, Sept. 18, depending on weather and site conditions.
Smoke may be visible from Canal Flats, Fort Steele and surrounding areas and could affect motorists travelling along Highway 93/95. Smoke could also linger for several days, particularly during the morning after burning takes place.
The multi-year restoration project involves burn units of varying sizes.
Officials said the work is intended to improve wildlife habitat and water quality, address forest health issues caused by overly dense tree stands and reduce the risk of wildfire in the area.
The project is expected to be carried out by participants in the Kootenay ʔa·kinq̓uku Prescribed Fire Training Exchange, or TREX.
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