Wildfire East of the Skeena

By 250 News

SMITHERS – A wildfire currently burning 13 kilometres north of Kispiox may be visible to the communities of Kispiox and the Hazeltons.

The fire is currently five hectares in size and is not threatening any structures. Resources on site include 20 firefighters, two helicopters as well as two support staff. An air tanker also dropped retardant on the fire on Sunday to limit the fire growth. On Monday three helicopters will work to cool the fire by bucketing it with water.

Steep terrain and heavy fuels are challenging suppression efforts. Due to the dense fuels, helicopters are unable to land on site, and crew members are working to gain access to the fire. The terrain and fuels are also challenging for air tanker action, as denser fuels catch the retardant in the crowns of the trees instead of it reaching the ground.

Over the weekend, the Northwest Fire Centre responded to a wildfire that started as a result of an abandoned campfire. Currently there are bans and restrictions in place to limit the risk of such fires. Human caused fires divert critical resources away from naturally occurring lightning fires.

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