People climb the Apex Trail in Knox Mountain Park in Kelowna.

(JOHN MCDONALD / iNFOnews.ca)

BC Wildfire Service is helping the Kelowna Fire Department with a prescribed burn on Knox Mountain later this week, so folks shouldn’t freak out if they see smoke.

The wildfire service, City of Kelowna parks department and local firefighters are burning 11 hectares of Knox Mountain on Oct. 3, according to a press release. The exact time of the burn is going to depend on the weather conditions.

“Reducing fuel loads in Knox Mountain Park is a proactive step to protect nearby homes and preserve the park’s natural beauty,” the fire department’s assistant chief for mitigation and prevention Dennis Craig said in the release. “Prescribed fire is one of the most effective tools we have to lower wildfire risk while supporting ecosystem health.”

The burn will reduce wildfire risk, get rid of some of the built up fire fuels, decrease shrub coverage and help restore natural habitats.

The burn is going to take one day and nearby homes, park infrastructure and environmentally sensitive areas are going to be protected.

Prescribed burns like this are done regularly, but it's the first of its type conducted by the Kelowna Fire Department. The parks department and wildfire service will be monitoring the situation and managing the fire.

“Fire plays a vital role in rejuvenating ecosystems, giving them a fresh start. It helps thins the forest and opens up the canopy, allowing sunlight to reach the forest floor and nurture trees of varying ages,” the city’s urban forestry supervisor Todd Cashin said in the release. “Fire also recycles nutrients by converting woody debris into mineral-rich ash, enriching the soil and promoting new growth.”

The fire will be closely monitored and will only take place under certain, safe weather conditions.

The city said residents who live in the area may want to stay indoors, limit outdoor activities and monitor the air quality.

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