SMITHERS – The BC Wildfire Service in partnership with Gitanyow First Nation will be conducting a cultural burn project located approximately two kilometers northeast of Gitanyow.

The total area to be burned is 15 hectares and is expected to begin as early as Wednesday, September 10, 2025, if conditions allow. Personnel will utilize traditional and hand ignition tactics. Smoke may be visible to the Gitanyow community, Village of Kitwanga and motorists along Highway 16 and Highway 37.

The purpose of this cultural burn is to reduce hazardous fuels for community protection while promoting the health and resilience of the forest. This burn is also intended to increase the abundance and productivity of black huckleberry plants and wildlife habitat through Indigenous-led fire management. This will support the continued use of fire as a tool to improve the landscape.

This burn will continue to expand the knowledge and experience of the Gitanyow fire stewardship team while working together with BCWS to build trust and capacity.

Contact:

BC Wildfire Service
Information Officer
Northwest Fire Centre
BCWS.NWFCInfo@gov.bc.ca
250-876-6844