Fire on Knox! A good kind of fire

With a plume of thick grey-white smoke venting straight up from the top of Knox Mountain, everyone was happy.

In a proactive move to enhance wildfire preparedness and ecological health, the Kelowna Fire Department (KFD) collaborated with the City of Kelowna’s Parks department and BC Wildfire Service on a prescribed burn in Knox Mountain Park.

The straight-up venting was the result of working with environment officials to choose a day when wind and weather conditions would prevent smoke from billowing at ground level and avoid causing residents in the area discomfort.

“The prescribed burn at Knox was an excellent demonstration of our team's expertise and coordination,” said Kelowna Fire Department Chief, Dwight Seymour. “The primary objective was to reduce the fuel load in the area, which we achieved successfully, minimizing the risk of larger, uncontrolled wildfires in the future. This exercise allowed us to develop our program in partnership with Parks and BCWS and improve our operational efficiency.”

The operation on Oct. 3 targeted an 11-hectare forested area west of Magic Estates on the top of the mountain and lasted one day.

The burn is part of a broader strategy to reduce wildfire risk by eliminating the accumulation of fine fuels, woody debris, and dense shrubbery. It also aims to restore natural habitats and improve forest health.

“This burn is the result of months of planning and collaboration. Every step has been carefully considered to ensure a safe and effective operation,” said Assistant Fire Chief for Mitigation & Prevention, Dennis Craig.

This was the first prescribed burn conducted by KFD, although similar operations have been successfully implemented in other B.C. communities such as Kamloops, Cranbrook, and Lake Country. The initiative is funded through a Municipal Climate Resiliency Grant provided by Intact Financial Corporation, aligning with the City’s commitment to climate resilience and emergency readiness.

“One of the standout moments for me was witnessing the seamless collaboration between different departments and agencies,” said Chief Seymour. “It's always impressive to see how everyone comes together with a shared goal of community safety. As we continue to refine our techniques and learn from each operation, we become more adept at managing these prescribed burns safely and effectively.”

Post-burn assessments and mop-up operations have begun to take any lessons learned into the next prescribed burn project.

The initiative reflects Kelowna’s broader approach to public safety and environmental stewardship. This is outlined in the City’s strategic statement: “Through initiatives such as crime prevention, traffic safety, and emergency readiness, as well as climate resilience efforts like flood and fire mitigation, water conservation, and investment in green infrastructure, we ensure Kelowna remains safe, resilient, and prepared for the challenges of both crime and climate change.”

Knox Mountain Park, Kelowna’s largest natural area park, spans over 385 hectares and is home to a variety of rare and sensitive ecosystems. The park plays a vital role in cooling urban neighborhoods, filtering water, cleaning air, and sequestering carbon. Its ecological significance has been documented in the City’s 10-year management plan, which includes fire hazard mitigation as a key priority.

Todd Cashin, the City’s Urban Forestry Supervisor, emphasized the ecological benefits of fire: “Fire plays a vital role in rejuvenating ecosystems, giving them a fresh start. It thins the forest and opens up the canopy, allowing sunlight to reach the forest floor and nurture trees of varying ages. It also recycles nutrients by converting woody debris into mineral-rich ash, enriching the soil and promoting new growth.”

The prescribed burn complements ongoing fuel mitigation efforts in Knox Mountain and Dilworth Mountain Parks, where crews have been manually removing fine fuels and dangerous trees since September. These efforts are part of the City’s FireSmart program, which promotes wildfire preparedness and community resilience.

As Kelowna continues to face the dual challenges of climate change and urban growth, initiatives like the Knox Mountain prescribed burn demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding both natural spaces and residential areas.

The City encourages residents to stay informed through official channels and to participate in community resilience programs such as FireSmart Kelowna.