Ideal weather has given the thumbs up to prescribed burn today just west of Cochrane.

People in the Cochrane area shouldn't be alarmed if they see a little smoke west of town near the Wildcat Hills Gas Plant, 15k west of Cochrane on Hwy. 1A .

Canlin Energy will be conducting a small prescribed burn just south of the plant to clear up some dead and dry grass in an area of about 200m by 200m.

"It's for all the dead and dry grass that has been compiling over the last few years," says Tim Adams, Wildcat Hills District Superintendent for Canlin Energy. "It's a little overdue preventative maintenance to eliminate that fuel."

The company has hired crews to conduct and control the burn and have secured a fire permit from Rocky View County. They've informed all nearby residents and the Town of Cochrane. Signs will also be posted.

It's a burn they've been looking forward to completing.

"This is the best opportunity," says Adams. "Wouldn't even have been able to do it last year with how dry it was."

Because of its relatively small size, it may take as little as four hours to complete.

During the prescribed burn, the public access road to the plant and the area south of the facility will be closed to the public.

Those seeking further information on the prescribed burn can contact information officer Matt Mintha at 403-968-9491.