By Canadian Press

Gusty winds forecast near Lytton, B.C., as wildfire remains out of control

Jul 18, 2022 | 8:15 AM

LYTTON, B.C. — Showers are likely over the northern end of British Columbia’s Fraser Canyon, potentially aiding crews battling a 17-square kilometre wildfire just west of the village of Lytton.

But Environment Canada says any rain will also be accompanied by very blustery winds.

The weather office is calling for a 60 per cent chance of showers around Lytton and warns of the chance of thundershowers, while winds are expected to gust up to 70 km/h later in the day.

Those conditions cover the same area where the out-of-control blaze has destroyed at least six properties and forced more than 100 people from their homes on the west side of the Fraser River northeast of Vancouver.

The BC Wildfire Service says flames were moving west over the weekend, but winds on Sunday fuelled growth on the southern flank, across the Fraser River but closer to Lytton.

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Recovery is just beginning in Lytton, which was mostly wiped out by a wildfire one year ago.

There’s also concern about a spot fire found early Sunday near the start of the Stein Valley Nlaka’pamux Heritage Park walking path, partially closing the park.

An initial attack crew and 10 Lytton First Nation firefighters patrolled the walking path overnight, after crews built a wet line around the hot spot and monitored for further spread.

The wildfire service says more than 80 people have been assigned to the fire, backed by four water tenders, ten helicopters and other operational and support crews.

An investigation into the cause of the blaze is continuing.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 18, 2022.

The Canadian Press