The BC Wildfire Service will be conducting an annual training exercise south of Kamloops this Wednesday.

It says crews will be burning 15 piles of wood debris near Stake Lake, about 15 km south of Kamloops, on May 10.

“The goal of this event is to create a controlled environment to acquire hands on training,” the Wildfire Service said. “All use of fire will be supervised by fully trained and certified wildfire personnel.”

Smoke may be visible to travelers along the Coquihalla as well as to people recreating near Stake Lake.

“We ask that the public maintain a safe distance while the exercise takes place,” the Wildfire Service added.

As always, the Wildfire Service says to call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone to report a wildfire, an unattended campfire, or an open burning violation.