A small wildfire on Tuesday night near Elsie Yanick and Dave McNeilly schools in Parsons Creek has prompted controlled burns in the area to reduce the risk of more fires in the area. 

Crews were working on hot spots Wednesday. RMWB says fire investigators are determining the cause of the fire and warn residents that smoke will be visible in the area as the controlled burns take place. 

Earlier this year, Parsons Creek was identified as a priority area for burn abatement. Controlled burns will also be taking place in other neighbourhoods, such as Wood Buffalo and Thickwood. 

RMWB says the controlled burns are carried out to remove dead and dry surface fuels that collect over the winter. Residents in the area are advised to keep their windows closed to keep smoke out of their homes.