Wildfire risk reduction efforts ramp up around Invermere

Residents in the Invermere area can expect to see increased wildfire mitigation work throughout 2026 as part of ongoing efforts to reduce wildfire risk.

The Ministry of Forests’ Wildfire Risk Reduction (WRR) program, in collaboration with the Invermere Fire Department, BC Wildfire Service, and the Canadian Wildlife Service, has announced several planned burns around the community.

The planned burns include:

• Invermere South: A joint training opportunity for Invermere structural and wildland crews. Anticipated start: early spring 2026.
• Toby North: Planned by WRR with support from BC Wildfire Service. Anticipated start: spring 2026.
• Wilmer North: An ecosystem restoration burn on Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) land and adjacent provincial land, led by CWS with support from WRR and BC Wildfire Service. Anticipated start: fall 2026.

Officials note that all burn dates remain tentative and will depend on weather and site conditions.

Residents may notice smoke in the area during operations.