Out-of-control wildfire near Lytton, B.C. grows to 350 hectares

LYTTON, B.C. – British Columbia’s Wildfire Service says an out-of-control blaze in the Fraser Canyon has grown further, burning 350 hectares (3.5 square kilometres) of bush south of Lytton, B.C.

The service says the George Road wildfire is scattered across steep and rocky terrain, creating “different fingers and spots.”

It says crews took advantage of cooler temperatures Saturday, but will focus on long-term management and control since the weather is forecast to get hotter and drier this week.

2:21 Increased concern for drought and wildfires in B.C. this summer and climate change is playing a role

Seventy-seven firefighters backed by nine helicopters are fighting the blaze with two water tenders and two pieces of heavy equipment.

The fire began Wednesday, and the service says is suspected to be human-caused but remains under investigation.

READ MORE: Eighty-hectare ‘out-of-control’ wildfire near Lytton, B.C. prompts evacuation alert

Evacuation alerts were issued by Thompson-Nicola Regional District and the Lytton First Nation for 10 homes in the area. However, those alerts were rescinded on Monday morning.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 20, 2021.