BC Wildfire Service plans prescribed burn near Deer Park

The BC Wildfire Service and the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship are planning a prescribed burn in the Deer Park Mountain area, located approximately 35 kilometres northeast of Castlegar. The operation aims to cover up to 450 hectares to reduce ground fuel accumulation, restore forest health, and mitigate the risk of future catastrophic wildfires.

Scheduled to potentially begin as early as Thursday, September 17, the burn may occur in multiple stages over the next month depending on weather and site conditions. Helicopters will be utilized to support ignition operations.

Residents in Deer Park, Renata, Edgewood, and Castlegar, as well as motorists on Highway 6 and Broadwater Road, may experience smoke visibility. Authorities noted that while smoke management precautions are in place, unintended smoke impacts remain possible.