Wildfire near Lytton, B.C. still estimated at 1,500 hectares
Global News
BC Wildfire says overnight crews reported minimal fire activity and limited growth, but that an update is expected later Saturday.
New information on a raging wildfire that’s burning in B.C.’s Interior will be made available on Saturday afternoon.
On Friday, the Nohomin Creek blaze near Lytton was estimated at approximately 1,500 hectares in size, or 15 square kilometres, an assessment that remained the same on Saturday morning.
Located around 1.7 kilometres northwest of Lytton, the out-of-control fire ignited Thursday and quickly grew as winds drove its growth. First Nation officials said on Friday that at least six residential structures were destroyed.
In an interview with Global News on Saturday morning, BC Wildfire Service information officer Nicole Bonnett said overnight crews reported minimal fire activity and limited growth.
The fire’s size will hopefully be updated in the afternoon, said Bonnett, but added that “the first priority is going to be the response and protection of homes in the area.”
Bonnett also said more crews are expected to join the 80 or so firefighters already on site.
Saturday’s plans include trying to establish control lines along the north and south flanks, small-scale ignitions to clean up unburned fuels and creating landing pads for helicopters.
“There was minimal fire activity on the north flank of the fire, which was largely smouldering backing downslope,” BC Wildfire said in its Saturday morning update. “Accessibility and terrain continue to be challenges for personnel and resources on site.”