(UPDATE: June 22 @ 9:45 am) - There was some positive news from the front lines of the George Road wildfire this morning.
The fire showed no growth overnight and is still mapped at 350 hectares.
In addition, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District rescinded evacuation alerts for 10 residences on Monday.
Ground crews have made good progress on the workable areas of the fire, and helicopters continue to drop buckets of water on the inoperable, steep parts of the fire. As the hot weather persists, increased fire behaviour may be visible in the inoperable areas on the east flank.
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) June 22, 2021
"Ground crews have made good progress on the workable areas of the fire, and helicopters continue to drop buckets of water on the inoperable, steep parts of the fire," said a tweet from BC Wildfire Service on Monday.
"As the hot weather persists, increased fire behaviour may be visible in the inoperable areas on the east flank."
At this time, there are 59 firefighters, three helicopters and two pieces of heavy equipment battling the out-of-control wildfire.
(UPDATE: June 21 @ 11:15 am) - The George Road wildfire near Lytton is up to 350 hectares in size, but the BC Wildfire Service says crews have made good progress over the weekend.
Fire activity was quiet (Sunday), however, it is still burning in inoperable terrain," explained a Twitter post from the BCWS. "As temperatures increase throughout the week, crews will continue suppression efforts by ground and air."
UPDATE: #BCWildfire crews have made good progress on the George Rd (K70804) wildfire. Fire activity was quiet today; however, it is still burning in inoperable terrain. As temperatures increase throughout the week, crews will continue suppression efforts by ground & air. #Lytton pic.twitter.com/p2x5i06L51
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) June 21, 2021
There are currently 60 firefighters, eight helicopters and two pieces of heavy equipment battling the fire.
With temperatures set to rise throughout the week and possibly hit 40°C by the weekend, the BCWS says it will work with partners and land managers to create a long-term management and monitor strategy for the upper areas of the fire that are inaccessible to ground crews.
The "out of control" wildfire is believed to be human caused, but it's still under investigation.
(UPDATE: June 18 @ 6:45 am): The wildfire near Lytton has now grown to 110 hectares.
The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) said yesterday that firefighters had "made good progress" against the fire's north flank.
They used direct attack methods and were helped by five helicopters and other heavy equipment, the agency said.
Personnel remained on site overnight, BCWS explained.
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District and Lytton First Nation have both issued evacuation alerts.
(UPDATE: June 17 @ 11:30 am): The fire has now grown to 60 hectares, according to the BC Wildfire Service.
It has been listed as a fire of note – currently the only one in the whole province.
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has also issued evacuation alerts.
Firefighters said the blaze was caused by human activity.
This story will be updated when more information is available.
(Original story: June 17 @ 6:05 am): Another wildfire has sparked in the Interior.
Firefighters are battling to contain a blaze seven kilometres south of Lytton, just off Hwy 1.
According to the most recent update from the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), the fire is 10 hectares in size.
It is classed as out of control.
Last night, BCWS had 16 personnel at the site attempting to establish a hand guard.
One helicopter was also helping with the operation.
No buildings were threatened last night.
Drivers have been warned that smoke from the fire might be visible from Hwy 1.
