Reducing fire risk with prescribed burn in Knox Mountain Park
News Release
Kelowna Fire Department (KFD) and the City of Kelowna’s Parks department, with support from BC Wildfire Service, are planning an 11-hectare controlled burn in a forested area in Knox Mountain Park.
The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions, but could begin as early as Friday, October 3, 2025.
The prescribed fire will reduce wildfire risk, reduce continuous build-up of fine fuels and woody debris, decrease shrub coverage and restore natural habitats. The burn is expected to last one day, and will target excess vegetation while protecting nearby homes, park infrastructure, and environmentally sensitive areas.
“Reducing fuel loads in Knox Mountain Park is a proactive step to protect nearby homes and preserve the park’s natural beauty,” says Dennis Craig, KFD’s Assistant Fire Chief Mitigation & Prevention. “Prescribed fire is one of the most effective tools we have to lower wildfire risk while supporting ecosystem health.”
This type of prescribed burn is the first such event done by KFD; however, it has been done successfully in other communities including Kamloops, Cranbrook and Lake Country. KFD, City of Kelowna’s Parks department, and BC Wildfire Service crews will be actively monitoring and managing the fire. KFD and City Parks crews will also monitor and patrol the area over the weekend.
“Fire plays a vital role in rejuvenating ecosystems, giving them a fresh start. It helps thins the forest and opens up the canopy, allowing sunlight to reach the forest floor and nurture trees of varying ages,” explains Todd Cashin, the City’s Urban Forestry Supervisor. “Fire also recycles nutrients by converting woody debris into mineral-rich ash, enriching the soil and promoting new growth.”
Strict monitoring of fire behavior, weather, and smoke will ensure safety, and KFD and BC Wildfire Service crews will control any fire spread. There will also be measures to minimize smoke impact, with burning only occurring under specific weather conditions.
Post-burn assessments will evaluate success, and mop-up operations will ensure all fires are fully extinguished within two weeks. The prescribed burn is funded by a Municipal Climate Resiliency Grant through Intact Financial Corporation.
Smoke will be visible in Knox Mountain Park and beyond during the burn period. Residents, especially those with respiratory conditions, are advised to take the following precautions during the prescribed burn:
* Stay Indoors: Keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering your home. Use air purifiers if available.
* Limit Outdoor Activities: Avoid outdoor activities, especially strenuous exercises, during the burn period to minimize exposure to smoke.
* Monitor Air Quality: Stay informed about the air quality in your area by checking local air quality reports and updates from KFD and BC Wildfire Service.
