Wildfire near Lytton remains out of control at 1,500 hectares

UPDATE Sunday, July 17

Environment Canada has issued a special air quality advisory for the Fraser Canyon due to the smoke coming from a wildfire that broke out Thursday nearly two kilometres northwest of Lytton.

It says conditions are expected to last 24 to 48 hours, though the bulletin will be updated later today.

The fire, which has grown to an estimated 15-hundred hectares, comes just over a year after another wildfire burned down most of Lytton and displaced many residents who have yet to return home.

Officials say the cause of the blaze is currently unknown but is being investigated. (The Canadian Press)

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British Columbia’s Wildfire Service says it is bringing in another 21-person unit crew to help fight a wildfire that broke out Thursday nearly two kilometres northwest of Lytton on the other side of the Fraser River.

This brings the total to four unit crews on site, and the service says 15 structure protection specialists and multiple helicopters are also being mobilized to help contain the blaze.

It says there was minimal fire growth overnight Friday into Saturday as winds were calm, but steep terrain continues to be a challenge.

The fire, which has grown to an estimated 1,500 hectares and has burned at least half a dozen homes, comes just over a year after another wildfire burned down most of Lytton and displaced many residents who have yet to return home.

Officials say the cause of the blaze is currently unknown but is being investigated.

Provincial Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said Friday that neither the village of Lytton nor any other communities are currently in the fire’s path, and no injuries have been reported.

(The Canadian Press)