South Okanagan Grasslands/Rural Escape/Facebook

By Vernon Matters Staff

Controlled burn

Planned prescribed burn set for South Okanagan Grasslands

Oct 16, 2025 | 11:14 AM

The BC Wildfire Service and BC Parks are preparing a controlled burn covering up to 170 hectares in the western section of the South Okanagan Grasslands Protected Area.

The project is being carried out with support from the BC Wildlife Federation and is located about 16 kilometres west of Osoyoos, near the Canada Chopaka and United States Nighthawk Port of Entry.

Preparatory work, including blacklining, is expected to begin as early as Monday, Oct. 20.

The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions, but it could begin as early as Oct 21, weather dependent. Burning will proceed if conditions are suitable and allow for smoke dispersal during burn operations, though smoke may also linger in the following days.

Officials say smoke may be visible from Osoyoos, Chopaka, Keremeos, Cawston and surrounding areas, as well as to motorists travelling along Highway 3.

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The burn is intended to restore grassland health, support native plants and wildlife, and reduce wildfire risk by managing fuel loads.

Fire officials note that controlled burns are a normal and natural process in many of B.C.’s ecosystems. The BC Wildfire Service regularly works with partners to undertake fuel management activities to reduce the severity of future wildfires.