UPDATE: 11p.m.
The Nohomin Creek blaze has spread to approximately 250ha.
It is estimated that three structures may have been lost in the fire.
Fraser Canyon Trans Canada Highway 1 from Lytton to Choate is likely being impacted by wildfire smoke over the next 24 to 48 hours.
Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement of smokey skies for Fraser Canyon south, including Lytton, due to the wildfire.
Friday is forecast to be 30 C with a mix of sun and cloud, and a possibility to 30km/h winds, gusting to 50km/h.
BC Wildfire crews were challenged by gusting winds and poor accessibility while on scene Thursday, July 14.
Ground crews will be on site working through out the night.
UPDATE: 10:20
The Nohomin Creek wildfire has forced the Thompson-Nicola Regional District Emergency Operations Centre to issue an evacuation alert for approximately 31 properties in Electoral Area “I” (Blue Sky Country).
All TNRD properties north of Lytton along Highway 12, as well as all properties on the west side of the Fraser River and north of Stein River to the Squamish Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) border, as outlined on the attached map are ordered to evacuate immediately.
The wildfire is still an estimated 200 ha.
UPDATE: 8:25
The Nohomin Creek wildfire has forced Lytton First Nation to issue evacuation orders for Nohomeen IR 13, Papyum IRs 27, 27A, Lytton IR 27B, Papyum Graveyard 27C, Stryen IR 9 (West of Stein River).
Evacuation alerts are in effect for for Stryen IR 9 and Lytton IR 9A.
Visit the Lytton First Nation Band website for additional information.
Thompson Nicola Regional District has also issued an evacuation order for Electoral Area “I” (Blue Sky Country). For more information, please visit the Thompson-Nicola Regional District Website.
When an evacuation order is issued, you must leave the area immediately. Follow the directions of local emergency officials and evacuate using the route they’ve identified. Do not return home until you’ve been advised that the evacuation order has been rescinded.
When an evacuation alert is issued, this is the time to get prepared to leave your home on short notice. Prepare grab-and-go bags (which should include several days of clothing, toiletries and medications), your emergency plan, copies of important documents and important mementos.
UPDATE: 8:15
The wildfire service deployed 32 firefighters, two helicopters and an airtanker to the Nohomin Creek fire, with additional support on the way.
Ground crews will remain on site at the fire overnight.
An additional 40-personnel will be on site tomorrow morning.
At this time, the cause of the fire is unknown and under investigation. Fire origin and cause specialists have been deployed to the scene.
UPDATE: 7:30 p.m.
Heavy smoke, accessibility and terrain are presenting challenges as the Nohomin Creek fire spreads to an estimated 200 ha.
The Lytton Ferry is closed in both directions. Currently Highway 1 and 12 are not impacted.
Lytton First Nation has implemented an Evacuation Order for for First Nations Reserve 23, 27B, 27 and 27A, an additional Evacuation Alerts and Orders for properties up to Cameron Bar IR 13, and an Evacuation Alert for First Nation Reserve 9A and 9B.
Thompson Nicola Regional District has issued an Evacuation Order for Electoral Area “I” (Blue Sky Country).
Contact the Kamloops Fire Centre Information Officer at 250-554-5965 and Bobbi McKay, Lytton First Nation, at 778-254-9754 with questions about the evacuation orders and emergency operations.
For more information visit: https://www.tnrd.ca/services/emergency-services/evacuation-order-alert-notices/
UPDATE: 5 p.m.
UPDATE: The #BCWildfire Service continues to respond to the Nohomin Creek wildfire (K70580). The fire has grown to 75 hectares and is now a Wildfire of Note. Lytton First Nation has implemented an Evacuation Alert and Evacuation Order for some areas. pic.twitter.com/acZpTJBolb
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) July 15, 2022
The Nohomin Creek blaze is now a wildfire of note, according to BC Wildfire Service.
The “Out of Control” fire has grown to 75 hectares and is displaying rank three and rank four behaviour.
For more information visit: https://www.tnrd.ca/services/emergency-services/evacuation-order-alert-notices/
The Nohomin Creek blaze is considered a rank three or four fire (BC Wildfire)
Lytton First Nation has implemented an Evacuation Order for for First Nations Reserve 23, 27B, 27 and 27A and an Evacuation Alert for First Nation Reserve 9A and 9B.
Contact Bobbi McKay, Lytton First Nation, at 778-254-9754 with questions about the evacuation orders.
Smoke and terrain are reported to be presenting challenges on two flanks of the fire.
The Wildfire service has deployed 32 firefighters, two helicopters and an airtanker.
Additionally, RCMP are on site.
The blaze is currently the province’s only wildfire of note.
Original:
A wildfire has been sparked just west of the Village of Lytton.
Reports first came in of flames and smoke at 12:45p.m. on July 14, across the Fraser River on on the outskirts of town.
A Fire Information Officer at the Kamloops Fire Centre told Capital News that four initial attack crews and two unit crews have been dispatched to the scene. Airtankers and helicopters are responding, while residents in the area are also assisting.
As of 4p.m. on July 14, Director of Fire Centre Operation Rob Schweitzer said that the wildfire is estimated to be 25 hectares in size. B.C. Wildfire is reporting that gusty winds in the area are contributing to the fire’s spread.
Thompson-Nicola Regional District staff said that the fire was human-caused, and started on a large property in Westside. Lytton First Nation has issued an evacuation order for some properties, and will be setting up an emergency services and reception centre.
BREAKING: A Wildfire in Lytton breaks out this afternoon. Smoke can be seen going over the Lytton First Nation Reserve. Appears to be west of Fraser River, near the ferry. pic.twitter.com/xwVtv6oG4C
— UBCIC (@UBCIC) July 14, 2022
Lytton First Nation Deputy Chief John Haugen estimates that the evacuation order affects about nine people.
An evacuation alert has also been issued for properties in the area ‘I’.
It is estimated that three structures have been lost so far to the fire.
A 911/landline/internet disruption was also reported by the Fraser Valley Regional District around noon, affecting the areas of Boston Bar, Lytton and Spences Bridge. B.C. Wildfire does not believe that the two situations are related.
Construction and debris-clearing crews have been using heavy machinery throughout Lytton in recent weeks, just over one year after the village was razed by wildfire during the historic 2021 fire season. Schweitzer said that the events of June 2021 are “on the forefront of (B.C. Wildfire’s) minds.”
READ MORE: Rebuild of Lytton, B.C., after devastating wildfire to begin by September: minister
READ MORE: ‘Our story has to stay out there or we’ll be forgotten’: Lytton resident
@JakeC_16
Jake.courtepatte@kelownacapnews.com
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