UPDATED: Evacuation alert expanded as Lytton fire grows to 300 hectares

UPDATE (7:10 p.m.) The South Spencer Road wildfire has grown to 300 hectares, as strong southwestern winds continue to blow near the town of Lytton.

As the fire continues to grow, Fire Information Officer Max Birkner says the evacuation alert has been expanded to include properties from the CN Rail bridge to the Stein River in Lytton.

Nine homes on the Lytton First Nation have already been evacuated.

Birkner says 56 firefighters continue to battle the blaze, supported by 3 pieces of heavy equipment and 4 helicopters. Sixteen of those firefighters will remain at the scene overnight, during which Birkner says some rain is forecasted.

So far the fire has destroyed one outbuilding, but Birkner said he’s heard no reports of any homes being lost.

BC Wildfire Service previously reported the fire was 25 per cent contained, but Birkner said as the fire continues to grow, he’s waiting for new reports on its containment and spread.

UPDATE (4:30 p.m.): The South Spencer Road wildfire has grow to an estimated 100 hectares, but is moving away from homes.

BC Wildfire Service reports the fire is 25 per cent contained, and displaying Rank 3-4 fire behavior, meaning a “moderately vigorous rate of spread with candling and short-range spotting.”

The “aggressive” behaviour is due in part to strong winds whipping through the valley.

Right now, 56 firefighters are working to tame the blaze, supported by three helicopters and five airtankers.

Evacuation alerts remain in effect for some properties on the west side of the Fraser River, and as many as 16 homes on the Lytton First Nation have been evacuated.

UPDATE (3:10 p.m.): The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has issued an evacuation alert as crews continue to battle the South Spencer Road Fire near Lytton.

The alert is for properties on the west side of the Fraser River, from the intersection of Lytton Ferry Rd. and South Spencer Rd, south to the northern boundaries of Lytton IR 25 and Lytton IR 31, including 4279, 4275, 4265, 3960 and 3800 South Spencer Rd.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional district says the “wildfire poses an imminent threat to people and property,” and it has issued the alert “due to the potential danger to life and health.”

While the alert is in effect, the district asks all those affected to prepared to evacuate their properties at short notice, to the reception centre at the Lytton Parish Hall, located at 140 7th St. in Lytton.

ORIGINAL STORY:

An evacuation order is in place for Lytton First Nation because of a 12-hectare fire called the South Spencer Road fire.

A spokesperson with Lytton First Nation told KelownaNow that 10 homes are currently under the order and another 10 have been alerted.

According to the BC Wildfire Services, 16 homes have been placed on the evacuation order and approximately an additional 20 are on alert.

The interface fire is displaying rank three fire behaviour, which is a fire with a moderate rate of spread and some candling.

Aggressive fire behaviour is in part due to strong winds in the valley.

Two helicopters, four air tankers and 44 firefighters are currently fighting the blaze.

KelownaNow will update this story when more information becomes available.