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

The total area to be burned is up to 100 hectares and is expected to begin as early as Wednesday, April 22, 2026, if conditions allow. Personnel will utilize hand and potentially aerial ignition tactics.

Smoke may be visible to the Gitanyow community, Village of Kitwanga and motorists along Highway 16 and Highway 37. Burning will only proceed if conditions are suitable and allow for smoke dispersal during burn operations.

The purpose of this cultural burn is to reduce hazardous fuels for community protection while improving wildlife habitat for moose, grizzly bear and other species. This burn is also intended to increase the productivity of lowbush blueberry and other edible and medicinal plants. This project will build capacity for Indigenous-led use of fire as a tool to improve the landscape.

These burns will continue to expand the knowledge and experience of the Gitanyow Fire Stewardship Team to conduct burns and monitor the ecological effects of burns, while working together with the BC Wildfire Service to build relationships and collective capacity.

Contact:

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

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