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By Pete McIntyre
Controlled burn

City getting calls about smoke in Okanagan Landing area

Jun 26, 2020 | 12:46 PM

Vernon Fire Rescue is advising the public about a controlled burn that is underway in the Harbour Heights area of Okanagan Landing.

The city received several calls from concerned residents about the smoke and the potential of fire.

Fire Chief David Lind said the work is being done by a qualified private contractor and is permitted by the Ministry of Environment.

“We’re glad to see so many residents are keeping a close eye on the area and making a report if they think it may be wildfire-related. We can confirm this work is being done in a safe, controlled and responsible manner, and we have a high level of confidence in the contractor doing the project,” Lind said.

The burning is taking place on land adjacent to the City of Vernon boundary, so although Vernon Fire Rescue is not directly involved in the project, they have visited the site and are in regular and close contact with those doing the work.

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“Controlled burning like this is essential to managing our landscapes to prevent more serious wildfires during high risk periods,” Lind added.

The contractor expects it will take one more day of burning to compete the project, when weather and site conditions are favourable.

Fire Rescue was advised that when the burning is completed for the day, the contractor extinguishes the fires prior to leaving the site.

by Pete McIntyre
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