Elk Island National Park conducting controlled burns

If you see smoke around Elk Island National Park this week, there is no need for concern. 

The park has been and will continue to conduct controlled guard burning in the area around Shirley Lake. 

"A fire guard provides a buffer around a prescribed fire by removing fuels like grasses or dead logs along the unit boundary," said the park in a press release. 

They also added that these types of burns help to release nutrients and support a diverse ecosystem within the park. 

The park started these burns last Tuesday (Oct. 18) and will continue with them this week. 

Depending on wind speed and direction, residents in the area may notice some smoky conditions. However, it is expected that the cooler weather will help keep the smoke at bay