Spring has sprung in the Nicola Valley, and with the changing of the season comes the work of preparing for the upcoming wildfire season in the B.C. Interior.

The Shackan Indian Band and the BC Wildfire Service will be conducting a prescribed burn 40 kilometres west of Merritt on the Shackan Reserve #11 on March 27, weather permitting. If conditions are not favourable, the burn will take place on another date between March 28 and April 15, stated a news release from the BC Wildfire Service.

“This prescribed burn will also enhance traditional values on land used by the Shackan Indian Band. The surface fire will be hot enough to reduce or eliminate sagebrush, fine fuels, invasive species and weeds, but not hot enough to scorch soils, desirable shrubs or leafed trees,” the release went on to state. “This will allow nutrients to be released into the soil over the next few years while increasing the amount of pinegrass, bunchgrass, rabbit brush and arrow-leaved balsamroot growing in the area.”

Smoke may be visible from nearby communities, advised the BC Wildfire Service.