Wildfire near Lytton, B.C., remains out of control; 15 square km burning

Lytton, B.C. -

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 said 15 structure protection specialists and multiple helicopters are also being mobilized to help contain the blaze.

There was minimal fire growth overnight Friday into Saturday as winds were calm, but steep terrain continues to be a challenge, it said.

Environment Canada issued a special air quality advisory for the Fraser Canyon Saturday due to the wildfire smoke. It said conditions are expected to last 24 to 48 hours, but its bulletin will be updated Sunday.

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 unknown but is being investigated.

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

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 16, 2022.