Prescribed burn planned in Warfield as early as Sept. 29

Prescribed burn planned in Warfield as early as Sept. 29

Published 10:00 am Friday, September 25, 2026

A prescribed burn aimed at reducing wildfire risk and creating safer conditions for firefighters could begin in Warfield as early as Tuesday, Sept. 29.

BC Wildfire Service is working with the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary to conduct the hazard-reduction and training burn on municipally owned land between Whitman Way and Bingay Road.

The project area covers up to 2.4 hectares.

Smoke may affect residents near the project area and is expected to be highly visible from Warfield and surrounding communities, as well as to motorists travelling along Highway 22.

Officials caution smoke could linger for several days after the burn, particularly during the mornings.

Burning will only proceed when conditions are suitable to meet the project’s objectives and allow for appropriate smoke dispersal.

The Warfield prescribed burn is intended to reduce accumulations of dead wood and other combustible material, which officials say can result in lower fire intensity and create safer conditions for wildfire suppression.

The Village of Warfield describes the work as a proactive measure intended to strengthen the community’s resilience to wildfire while improving the usability of the space.

It will also serve as a public demonstration and provide hands-on training and cross-training opportunities for Kootenay Boundary Regional Fire Rescue personnel and partner agencies.

The exact timing will depend on weather and site conditions.

BC Wildfire Service says prescribed burning is one of the fuel-management tools used to reduce the severity of future wildfires while improving forest and ecosystem resilience.

Each prescribed burn is guided by a detailed plan that outlines objectives and requirements including weather and fuel conditions, personnel and equipment needs, mitigation measures and post-fire monitoring.

Updates will be shared through wildfire service channels as well as RDKB and Village of Warfield communications.