Controlled burn trials are planned for the Vanderhoof Airport area and were slated to begin as early as Wednesday, April 23.
BC Wildfire Service will partner with the District of Vanderhoof to conduct the trials.
The exact timing of these burns will depend on weather and site conditions, but will be conducted intermittently over the next several weeks.
Burning will only proceed if conditions are suitable and allow for smoke dispersal, though some smoke may linger.
"These trials are an important component of wildfire preparedness and allow the BC Wildfire Service to collect data and monitor fire behaviour in a constructed setting under appropriate conditions," said BC Wildfire Service in a Facebook post.
Smoke may impact residents near the Vanderhoof Airport and will be visible from the surrounding areas, according to the post.
However, any smoke produced by the burns is expected to dissipate quickly.
The key objectives of these burns include confirming moisture levels in different layers of fuel to ensure proper preparedness in the early season, gathering more accurate information for fire behaviour predictions and reducing build-up of dried grass within the area.
BC Wildfire Service personnel prepare for these trials by setting up water delivery systems and positioning resources and personnel throughout the trial area.
Anyone who sees smoke from a wildfire not related to this exercise is asked to report it by calling 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone, or directly through the BC Wildfire Service mobile app.
