Fuel Reduction Continues in the North Okanagan

Controlled Pile Burning Brings Smoke as Fuel Reduction Continues in the North Okanagan

January 16 2026, North Okanagan, B.C. - Residents in Vernon, Coldstream and nearby North Okanagan communities, including areas near Okanagan Indian Band lands, may continue to notice smoke from controlled wood-debris pile burning taking place in surrounding forested areas.

The BC Wildfire Service says pile burning is used to reduce accumulations of forest debris such as dead wood and brush, helping lower wildfire hazard ahead of the summer fire season.

Burning is carried out only when weather and venting conditions allow smoke to disperse and limit impacts to air quality.

Provincial wildfire summaries show that more than four million hectares have burned across British Columbia over the past five fire seasons, with major Interior wildfires resulting in the loss of hundreds of structures and hundreds of millions of dollars in insured damage.

Air quality in Vernon and the North Okanagan is monitored through the BC Air Quality Health Index, operated by Environment Canada and the Province, with current conditions and forecasts available through official government air-quality monitoring tools.