Wildfire breaks out west of Lytton
UPDATE (4:35 p.m.)
The B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) says a wildfire west of Lytton, that ignited at 12:45 p.m. today (July 14), has grown to 25 hectares.
Rob Schweitzer, director, Fire Centre Operations for the BC Wildfire Service said the four initial attack crews are on-site, supported by two unit crews, helicopters and air-tankers.
Deputy Chief John Haugen of the Lytton First Nation confirmed evacuations are underway for two of the band’s reserves with others north of the fire being put on evacuation alert at this time.
“We have three elders that are in direct line of this fire,” said Haugen.
While not confirmed, it is believed three structures have been lost in the fire. The cause remains unknown at this hour.
UPDATE (2:55 p.m.): The B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) has dubbed this fire the Nohomin Creek wildfire. It is measured at two hectares and is placed 1.7 kilometres northwest of the village.
BCWS says gusty winds are driving fire behaviour.
The service says multiple crews are responding, supported by helicopters and air tankers.
Lytton First Nation says it is helping place displaced families.
EARLIER: In a horrific turn of events, fire crews are battling a wildfire just west of the village of Lytton.
The B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) marks the fire as just across the Fraser River from the municipality, possibly on the Lytton First Nation reserve, near the Lytton ferry.
Image Credit: BCWSA witness tells CFJC Today the fire broke out during the noon hour Thursday (July 14) and may have already consumed some structures.
BCWS says it is responding but has few details.
Most of the structures in the Village of Lytton were destroyed by wildfire in June, 2021.
Image Credit: Contributed