Prescribed burn planned for Harvey Lake Reservoir area

VERNON – The BC Wildfire Service will be partnering with the Okanagan Shuswap Resource District in conducting a prescribed burn covering up to 40 hectares in the Harvey Lake Reservoir area, approximately seven kilometres southeast of Lavington.

This Wildfire Risk Reduction project is being done for community protection, ecosystem restoration and to contribute to research as part of a long-term project to reduce wildfire risk in the area and to assess fire behaviour in chipped fuel beds. This work will help inform future treatment plans in other areas.

Smoke may be visible from Lavington, Coldstream, Lumby, Vernon, Trinity Valley and surrounding areas, as well as travellers along Highway 6.

The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions, but it could begin as early as Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. Burning will proceed if conditions are suitable and allow for smoke dispersal during burn operations, though smoke may also linger in the following days. Staff from the BC Wildfire Service will carefully prepare, control, and monitor this burn.

Fire is a normal and natural process in many of B.C.’s ecosystems. The BC Wildfire Service works regularly with a range of partners to undertake fuel management activities (including the use of controlled burns), to help reduce the severity of future wildfires and related threats to communities. These projects are carefully planned and only go ahead at the right times and under the right conditions to ensure community and practitioner safety.  

Visit the BC Wildfire Service Cultural and prescribed fire webpage for more information.

Exposure to smoke can irritate eyes and respiratory tracts and worsen pre-existing lung and heart conditions. If your area is impacted by smoke:

Run portable air cleaners with windows and doors closed, both commercial and home-made units (https://rb.gy/90uh5s) can be effective if operated properly.
Reduce the length and intensity of outdoor activities
Manage pre-existing conditions and seek medical care if you have severe symptoms

Learn more about protecting health from smoke online: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/wildfire-smoke.

You can follow the latest wildfire news on: