If you see smoke around Horse Lake near 100 Mile House later today, chances are it’s a controlled burn.

These controlled burns will be north of Horse Lake, to reduce the threat of wildfire around the Imperial Ranchettes neighbourhood and in the 100 Mile House Community Forest.

The BC Wildfire Service says the burning will only proceed if the weather conditions are favourable, and it will continue periodically until about June 30, 2019.

Things like wind speed, wind direction, venting, and site conditions will be considered to prevent the accumulation of smoke in nearby communities.

“The primary goal is to reduce wildfire risks through the prescribed thinning or spacing of trees and the removal of surface fuels that could burn in the event of a wildfire,” said a government release.

“Wood debris and forest fuels collected during this thinning process must be disposed of responsibly and safely. This is typically done by burning the material in piles no larger than two metres by three metres. The piles will be burned in groups of two to four piles at a time and will be strategically placed to minimize impacts on neighbouring trees.”

If you’re looking for current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, head to bcwildfire.ca