Second prescribed burn in Knox Mtn Park

News Release

Kelowna Fire Department (KFD) and the City of Kelowna’s Parks department, with support from BC Wildfire Service, are planning another 11-hectare controlled burn tomorrow in a forested area in Knox Mountain Park.

The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions, but it is planned to begin tomorrow, Thursday, October 16, 2025.

A significant number of trails will be closed as part of the prescribed burn, in addition to the trail closures for the Royal View Water Main construction. This includes Apex, Shale, Simpson, the Pavilion and top lookout. In addition, Knox Mountain Drive will be closed between the first lookout and the summit. There will be no access to Magic Estates from Knox Mountain Rd.

The trails around Kathleen Lake, pedestrian access to the first lookout and Paul’s Tomb, and Knox East will remain open. Trails will reopen gradually as operations progress.

Park users are asked to obey signage and directions from Parks staff. Smoke will be visible in Knox Mountain Park and beyond during the burn period.

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.

“Fire is a natural part of the ecosystem, and prescribed burns allow us to restore that balance,” says Dennis Craig, KFD’s Assistant Fire Chief Mitigation & Prevention. “This approach not only lowers wildfire risk but also promotes biodiversity and long-term forest health in Knox Mountain Park.”

This type of prescribed burn is the second such event done by the City of Kelowna — the first was successfully completed in an 11-hectare area of Knox Mountain Park on October 3, 2025. 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 for the next several days. 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.

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.