The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and its Wildfire Management Branch will be conducting a series of prescribed burns near D'Arcy until May 31.
The fires will be lit about 27 kilometres northeast of Pemberton and will cover about 20 hectares.
The fires — designed to burn out smaller brush and trees while leaving larger trees intact — will be monitored by trained wildfire personnel at all times.
The controlled burns aim to reduce combustible material, enhance berry production and improve wildlife habitat.
"Reintroducing fire into the ecosystem in a controlled manner also encourages the growth of deciduous shrubs, herbs and grasses to promote biodiversity," the ministry said in a press release.
Removal of combustible materials helps reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfires.
Smoke will be visible around the community of D'Arcy, in the Devine area and from the northern portion of the Pemberton Portage Road.
"The size and intensity of prescribed burns are carefully planned and controlled to meet management objectives for fire-maintained ecosystems," said a release.
"Prescribed burns are only ignited when weather conditions are favourable and when the fire will not create excessive smoke. Important factors that are used to determine the date of a burn include the venting index, temperature, humidity and wind conditions."
The work is being done in co-operation with the N'Quatqua Band Council and the First Nations' Emergency Services Society, with funding provided by the Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative.
According to the ministry, the N'Quatqua First Nations have historically used similar low-intensity burning techniques.
"These controlled burns are part of a multi-year prescription to return the local forest to a more natural state," the release said.
"More burning will likely be done on this project this fall if weather conditions and wildfire activity levels permit."
Photos of the burn will be posted to www.facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo as they become available.
More information about prescribed burning can be found on the Wildfire Management Branch website at www.bcwildfire.ca/Prevention/PrescribedFire.
