SMITHERS – The BC Wildfire Service will be supporting the Gitanmaax Volunteer Fire Department with a grass and brush burning project. The total area to be burned is approximately 2 hectares, spread between multiple parcels of land. The two primary locations are adjacent to Bench Road and near the junction between Highway 62 and Kispiox Valley Road, both in Gitanmaax.

The purpose of the project is to reduce the risk of wildfire by removing fuel around Gitanmaax. It is also an opportunity for the BC Wildfire Service to continue to strengthen our relationship with the Gitanmaax Volunteer Fire Department while building trust and capacity.

The exact timing of the burn will depend on weather and site conditions, but may occur anytime between Thursday, April 2 and Friday, April 24, 2026. Smoke will be visible from Gitanmaax, Hazelton and surrounding areas, and may be visible to motorists travelling along Highway 16.

This project has been carefully planned and will only go ahead at the right time and under the right conditions to ensure community and practitioner safety.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire, or open burning violation, call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a cell phone or through the BC Wildfire Service mobile app. For the latest information on current wildfire activity and open fire prohibitions, visit www.bcwildfire.ca.

Contact:

Nathan Combs
Gitanmaax Fire Chief
FireChief@hazelton.ca
778-210-1720

Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect.