Close X
Friday, November 22, 2024
ADVT 
National

BC Wildfire Service crews respond near Lytton

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 14 Jul, 2022 09:08 PM
  • BC Wildfire Service crews respond near Lytton

LYTTON, B.C. - A fire is spreading just west of Lytton, B.C., the same community all but wiped out by a blaze last year.

BC Wildfire Service is reporting the fire is about 1.7 kilometres northwest of Lytton, on the west side of the Fraser River.

Rob Schweitzer, director of fire centre operations for the service, said four initial attack crews and two unit crews have responded, and helicopters and airtankers have also been dispatched.

"Crews will continue to work through the evening and overnight as required," he said during a news conference Thursday. "The RCMP and local fire department are also responding to this fire."

Schweitzer said the wildfire was first reported to the service around 12:45 p.m. Thursday and while the cause is still unknown, the fire grew to about 25 hectares in size by late afternoon.

"Gusting winds in the area this afternoon are impacting the fire behaviour and crews in the air and on the ground are seeing and observing moderate fire rates of spread," he said.

Lytton First Nation Deputy Chief John Haugen said about nine people from his community have been evacuated so far.

"We have three elders who are in direct line of this fire and we're working to make sure that they're safe, and that we can get the fire out as soon as possible," he said.

Pader Brach, executive director of regional operations at Emergency Management BC, said some buildings may have already been destroyed.

"We have received reports that approximately three structures may have been lost, but this has yet to be confirmed," he said.

EComm, the 911 emergency communication operator for most of the province, said in a statement that landline and cell service is unavailable in Lytton and for the areas nearby of Boston Bar and Spences Bridge, but Brach said the outage is believed to be unrelated to the fire.

A wildfire roared through Lytton on June 30, 2021, killing two people and destroying most of the village.

"The events of 2021 and the impacts to the village of Lytton and the Lytton First Nation are at the forefront in our minds. Our primary objective is the safety of the crews and the residents who are currently impacted," Schweitzer said.

"All wildfires are dynamic incidents and we will continue to provide updates as they become available."

MORE National ARTICLES

Surrey-Langley SkyTrain to be operable by 2028

Surrey-Langley SkyTrain to be operable by 2028
Once complete, Fleming says it will take just 22 minutes to travel from Langley to King George station in Surrey, and just over an hour to get from Langley to downtown Vancouver.  The province says in a release that work on the project, including utility relocations and road widening, is already underway and major construction is expected to begin in 2024.

Surrey-Langley SkyTrain to be operable by 2028

Ripudaman Singh Malik, the man acquitted in Air India bombing, shot to death in Surrey

Ripudaman Singh Malik, the man acquitted in Air India bombing, shot to death in Surrey
This appears to be a targeted shooting. A suspect vehicle was located in the 12200 block of 82 Avenue fully engulfed in fire.

Ripudaman Singh Malik, the man acquitted in Air India bombing, shot to death in Surrey

VPD investigation leads to charges in 2021 downtown collision that claimed the life of a 23 month old child

VPD investigation leads to charges in 2021 downtown collision that claimed the life of a 23 month old child
A black Ford Escape collided with a black McLaren in the intersection of Smithe and Hornby streets on July 6, 2021. Following the collision, the Ford Escape mounted the sidewalk, striking a man who was carrying his 23-month-old daughter. The child died and the father was taken to hospital with life-altering injuries.

VPD investigation leads to charges in 2021 downtown collision that claimed the life of a 23 month old child

Willowbrook Mall evacuated after 2 youths bear-sprayed inside the mall

Willowbrook Mall evacuated after 2 youths bear-sprayed inside the mall
The victims were treated by BC Ambulance Service and are recovering from the effects of the bear spray. Willowbrook Mall was temporarily evacuated as numerous patrons were feeling the effects of the bear spray.  The Mall has resumed normal business.  

Willowbrook Mall evacuated after 2 youths bear-sprayed inside the mall

Honda Celebration returns to English Bay for its milestone 30th year with 3 nights of magical fireworks and a brand new Festival Zone

Honda Celebration returns to English Bay for its milestone 30th year with 3 nights of magical fireworks and a brand new Festival Zone
 The event also welcomes back the Red Bull Air Show, a spectacular pre-show performance happening on all three festival nights, and on Wednesday, July 27th we are delighted to have the iconic Canadian Snowbird team back to perform their formation flyovers at English Bay, presented by Concord Pacific.

Honda Celebration returns to English Bay for its milestone 30th year with 3 nights of magical fireworks and a brand new Festival Zone

UBC president Santa Ono takes post in Michigan

UBC president Santa Ono takes post in Michigan
In remarks accepting his new job, the 59-year-old biologist, researcher and administrator told an audience at the University of Michigan that it was an honour and privilege to serve UBC, the campus he grew up on while his father was a mathematics professor.

UBC president Santa Ono takes post in Michigan