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

The total area to be burned is 240 hectares and is expected to begin as early as Friday, March 22, 2024, 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 supporting evacuation routes and establishing areas to engage in fire suppression. This burn will also increase the abundance and productivity for specific food and medicinal plants through Indigenous-led fire management. This will support the continued use of fire as a tool to improve the landscape.

This burn will also expand the knowledge and experience of the Gitanyow fire stewardship team while working together with the BC Wildfire Service to build trust and capacity.

Contact:

Chasity Daniels
Communications Coordinator
Gitanyow First Nation
778 202-9079
ghc.communications2023@gmail.com

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