A forest fire burning in the Kumsheen area, four kilometers south of Lytton, has been quickly brought under control.
Highway 1 was closed in both directions from Hope to Cache Creek for several hours, when the fire was four hectares in size and isburning aggressively.
It was first spotted at 10 a.m. this morning. Thirty-five fire-fighting personnel were on the ground to fight the fire, which is believed to be human-caused. A bucketing helicopter, four airtankers and four birddogs were in the air to aid in the fire-fighting efforts as well.
The highway re-opened to single-lane alternating traffic around 2:45 p.m., and the fire is now 100 per cent contained.
The temperature in Lytton is expected to reach 32 degrees Celsius this afternoon and will stay in the high twenties this Canada Day long weekend.
BC Wildfire Service issued a warning on Wednesday, asking British Columbians to exercise caution over the long weekend to help prevent human-caused wildfires.
As of April 1 this year, BC Wildfire Service says they have responded to 427 wildfires, 288 of which were caused by people.
Campfires are currently permitted in all of the province’s six fire centres, but Category 2 and Category 3 open fires are prohibited in many parts of British Columbia to reduce wildfire risks and protect public safety.
Comments