Wildfire moving away from Lytton, but blaze still out of control

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The fire did jump the Fraser River Thursday evening, but crews were able to get it contained to prevent further spread.

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The fire is demonstrating rank three and four behaviour.

“Typical characteristics of a rank four fire includes smoke that is grey to black, the fire moves at a moderate to fast rate on the ground, and there are short aerial bursts and short range spotting,” explained Conroy.

There is a heavy firefighting presence at the wildfire scene, including three 21-person crews, three initial attack crews and structure protection specialists, all supported by six helicopters, three air tankers and a bird-dog plane. However, the heavy smoke, accessibility and terrain are creating some challenges in getting to the front lines.

An Incident Management Team has been deployed to assume command of the 80 personnel on the ground fighting the fire.

Lytton First Nation Deputy Chief, John Haugen, said there have been reports of between six and nine structures lost in the wildfire.

“We are working, trying to contact the community members who have lost homes,” said Haugen.

“It’s devastating, so we have to be mindful of how we approach them and confirm those losses.”

As of time of publication, there have been no reports of injuries linked to the Nohomin Creek wildfire.

Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Mike Farnworth, stated that current models do not suggest that the fire will have any impacts on other communities in the area.

Lytton First Nation and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) have issued Evacuations Orders and Alerts for at-risk properties.

“While firefighters are doing everything in their power to slow the spread, the province, Emergency Management B.C. and nearby communities are supporting displaced residents with Emergency Support Services,” said Farnworth.

“These services, which include access to food, lodging and clothing, will be provided until the evacuation orders have been rescinded.”

Farnworth added this fire, which sparked almost exactly one year after a wildfire nearly razed the Village of Lytton, can create vast and long lasting impacts on people’s mental health, and said supports are available for people that need them.

“My ministry is working closely with the Lytton First Nation, First Nations Health Authority and First Nations Emergency Services Society (ESS) to ensure that everyone is supported,” said Farnworth.

“Meanwhile, the First Nations Health Authority is coordinating mental health and traditional supports, in coordination with the Lytton First Nation and reception centres.”

Reception centres have been established in Cache Creek and Lillooet.

People displaced from their homes due to the Nohomin Creek wildfire can register their evacuee status at the ESS website.

Farnworth added that it is crucial people follow orders from their First Nations or local governments.

Additionally, he advised British Columbians prepare themselves for the event of a wildfire forcing them out of their homes, and to not participate in activities that could spark a fire.

As of time of publication, the cause of the Nohomin Creek wildfire remains unknown.