Williams Lake, B.C. – If you see smoke and live near Alexis Creek, no need for alarm.

The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations plans to conduct a series of prescribed burns near Raven Lake (about 25 kilometres southeast of Alexis Creek) some time between today and June 23.

These controlled burns will cover about 100 hectares and is located about 2.5 kilometres southwest of Raven Lake and west of Palmer Lake Forest Service Road. Smoke may be visible from nearby communities.

The burns will be conducted by BC Wildfire Service crews and will proceed subject to weather conditions.

“The goals of the burn are to mitigate wildfire risks by reducing accumulations of forest fuels, remove damaging lodgepole pine dwarf mistletoe plants, prepare the site for reforestation and support the establishment of a new, healthy stand of young trees,” reads a ministry news release.

“The lodgepole pine dwarf mistletoe is a naturally occurring parasitic plant that lives in these trees. It impairs an infested tree’s growth and causes deformities, which limits its use in the manufacture of forest products.”

The Ministry says the burns will also decrease the risk of “catastrophic wildfires” and provide a safer work environment for wildfire crews.