CASTLEGAR – To help reduce the risk of wildfires, the BC Wildfire Service is supporting Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship in conducting a prescribed burn in the Deer Park Mountain area. This burn is located within one kilometre of Deer Park and will cover up to 450 hectares.
The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions, but it could begin as early as Thursday, September 17, 2026. Burning can potentially happen in multiple stages over the next month as conditions allow.
Smoke may impact residents near the burn area and may be visible from Deer Park, Renata, Edgewood, Castlegar and surrounding communities, and to motorists travelling along Highway 6 and Broadwater Road.
Rotary wing resources will be supporting ignition operations and residents can expect to see helicopters in the area during burn operations.
Key goals of this prescribed burn include:
- Reduce the accumulation of ground fuels
- Help restore forest health and properly functioning open forest conditions
- Decrease the risk of future catastrophic wildfires in the area
Burning will only proceed if conditions are suitable to achieve objectives and allow for appropriate smoke dispersal, though smoke may linger in the following days, particularly the morning after burn operations. Despite all smoke management precautions, unintended smoke impacts are possible after any burn. For more information on wildfire smoke impacts and how you can protect yourself, visit the BC Centre for Disease Control.
Fire is a normal and natural process in many of B.C.’s ecosystems. The BC Wildfire Service works regularly with land managers to undertake fuel management activities (including the use of prescribed fire), to help achieve land management objectives, reduce the severity of future wildfires and increase ecosystem and wildfire resilience.
Safety is paramount in all prescribed burn operations. Each burn is guided by a detailed burn plan that defines objectives and outlines key requirements, including weather and fuel conditions, personnel and equipment needs, mitigation measures, and post-fire monitoring. Watch this video to learn more.
Learn more about prescribed burning online at prescribedfire.ca.
Report a wildfire
The Southeast Fire Centre would like to thank the public for its continuing help in preventing wildfires.
You can report a wildfire, unattended campfire, or open burning violation by:
- Dialing *5555 on a cell phone
- Calling 1 800 663-5555 toll-free
- Reporting through the BC Wildfire App Report a fire function
- Reporting through the app lets you upload images and can be used without service.
Stay up-to-date with the latest wildfire news
- BCWildfire.ca
- BC Wildfire Map
- BC Wildfire App: Apple or Android
- Facebook and Instagram
Contact
Chanel Gagnon
Wildlife Biologist
778 463-5618
chanel.gagnon@gov.bc.ca
Fire Information Team
BC Wildfire Service
Southeast Fire Centre
250 318-7715
BCWS.SEFCInfo@gov.bc.ca
Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect