Blaze growing near fire-ravaged Lytton, says BC Wildfire Service
Posted July 14, 2022 5:00 pm.
Last Updated July 15, 2022 2:32 am.
BC Wildfire Service says a fire is spreading just west of Lytton, B.C., the same community all but wiped out by fire last year.
It says in a tweet that multiple crews are responding, and helicopters and airtankers have been dispatched.
It was first reported around 1:00 p.m., but according to the BC Wildfire Service Dashboard, the fire is estimated to have grown to around 200 hectares.
They say the fire is now classified as “Out of Control.”
Evacuation orders have been issued by the Lytton First Nation for Nohomeen IR 13, Papyum IRs 27, 27A, Lytton IR 27B, Papyum Graveyard 27C, Stryen IR 9 (West of Stein River).
As well, they issued evacuation alerts for Stryen IR 9 and Lytton IR 9A.
Officials provide an update on the Nohomin Creek wildfire, burning about 1.7 kilometres northwest of #Lytton. #BCWildfire https://t.co/mhdIFLakdw
— BC Government News (@BCGovNews) July 14, 2022
The service says the fire is about 1.7 kilometres northwest of Lytton, on the west side of the Fraser River.
“This afternoon people were evacuated in the Lytton First Nation community due to a fire. We have received reports that approximately three structures may have been lost but this has yet to be confirmed,” said Peter Brock, executive director of regional operations, Emergency Management BC.
Deputy Chief John Hogan of Lytton First Nation says several members are close to the fire.
“We have three elders that are in the direct line of this fire and we’re working to make sure that they’re safe and that we can get the fire out as soon as possible,” said Hogan.
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Rob Schweitzer, director of fire centre operations for BC Wildfire Service says four attack crews with two unit crews are on scene.
“Crews will continue to work through the evening and overnight as required,” said Schweitzer.
“Gusting winds in the area this afternoon are impacting the fire behavior.”
EComm, the 911 emergency communication operator for most of the province, says in a statement that landline and cell service is unavailable in Lytton and for the areas nearby of Boston and Spences Bridge, but it’s unclear if the outage is related to the fire.
A wildfire roared through Lytton on June 30, 2021, killing two people and destroying most of the village.
Updates to the fire can be found on the BC Wildfire Dashboard.
More to come
