If you see or smell fire near Monck Provincial Park in March, it may be conducted by the BC Wildfire Service.

Burning operations are scheduled to take place mid-march or late-march at the park, located northeast of Merritt.

“The exact timing of the burn will depend on weather and site conditions. The project will proceed only if fire behaviour conditions are suitable and will allow for quick smoke dissipation and low-to-moderate fir intensity,” a press release says.

The fire will be monitored by trained wildfire crews.

BC Parks plans to conduct the eight-hectare prescribed burn in an effort to reduce the level of dead and combustible material. The fire may also discourage insect infestations and help fire-adapted plant species to reproduce.

According to the release, smoke will be visible from Nicola Lakeshore Estates and residences west of the park near Monck Park Road. Smoke may also be visible from Highway 5A.

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