SMITHERS – The BC Wildfire Service will be supporting Wilp Gwiiyeehl and the Gitxsan Laxyip Management Office in conducting two cultural burn projects near Kispiox. One burn project is located at the Upper Kispiox River Recreation site, about 23 kilometres northwest of Kispiox. The other burn will be located along the Kuldo Forest Service Road, about 30 kilometres northwest of Kispiox.

The total area to be burned at each location is approximately six hectares, for a total of 12 hectares. The exact timing of the burn will depend on weather and site conditions, but may occur anytime between Monday March 30 and Wednesday May 13. Smoke may be visible from Kispiox and surrounding areas, and to motorists travelling along Highway 16.

For the most up to date information about closures at Upper Kispiox River Recreation, please visit the Recreation Sites and Trails BC webpage here.

The purpose of these cultural burns are to maintain and enhance wildlife habitat and the productivity of cultural food and medicinal plant species.

They will also provide an opportunity to expand the knowledge and experience to conduct cultural burning among Wilp Gwiiyeehl while working with BCWS to build trust and capacity and to demonstrate the benefits of cultural burning.

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.  

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