Wildfire near Lytton continues to grow despite ongoing containment

The Nohomin Creek Wildfire has grown to 2,364 hectares.

The B.C. Wildfire Centre reported the fire activity increased Monday, July 25, due to ongoing hot and dry conditions, which is expected to continue through the week as temperatures are forecasted to rise into the mid-to upper-30s Celsius while the humidity drops.

On Tuesday, July 26, wildfire personnel were dispatched to help crews for the Lytton First Nation mop up hot spots identified in an aerial infrared scan.

Wildfire crews continue to make good progress containing the north and south flanks of the wildfire, despite the steep terrain and increasing temperatures. The Wildfire Service said crews are requiring frequent breaks to prevent heat stress and exhaustion.

The fire continues to grow along the west flank north of Stein River, and initial attack crews are prepared to respond to any spotting that could occur on the south side of the river.

Crews have established 1,100 feet of hose lay further west along the Stein Valley walking path and a sprinkler system was extended to add moisture into the valley bottom to protect park infrastructure and cultural values.

Rappel crews were dispatched Monday to mop up around an existing heli-pad and reopen an old heli-pad site.

Structure protection personnel have begun to demobilize in areas where equipment is no longer needed.

B.C. Hydro personnel have been working to restore power to properties along the west side of the Fraser River. Power has already been restored south of the crossing, and work is ongoing to bring power back to the entire area.

The fire remains classified as out of control and evacuation orders and alerts remain in pace for parts of the Lytton First Nation.

The cause of the blaze remains unknown, and the investigation is ongoing.