(image credit - BCWS)

By Michael Reeve

WILDFIRE SEASON 2025

Smoke hindering updated mapping of Cantilever Fire near Lytton; growth expected

Jul 29, 2025 | 4:23 PM

KAMLOOPS — While currently mapped at 150 hectares, the BC Wildfire Service believes the Cantilever Wildfire south of Lytton, has grown. Current conditions have not allowed for improved mapping to be undertaken.

“Fire growth has been predominately up-slope, not near any values,” said BCWS Fire Information Officer Taylor Colman. “But the terrain is very steep, the canyon is very deep and so the smoke is really sitting in the valley making it challenging for aircraft to get up and get a new perimeter. So it’s still estimated at 150 hectares but we do expect growth.”

BC Wildfire is attacking the fire with 45 firefighters along with three helicopters and a structural protection unit. Other aerial resources such as skimmers and RJ tankers have not been able to assist.

“The visibility and the terrain are the two big challenges with this fire,” stated Colman. “Unfortunately with just how narrow the Fraser canyon is it’s really difficult for tankers to get in there, so we haven’t been able to utilize them. But the helicopters are much more nimble can get in those tight valley but the smoke is preventing them from being able to get up.”

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The summer season has been calmer than expected, with the fire danger rating in Kamloops currently listed as moderate.

“We know that this can change in an instant,” said BC Minister of Forests Ravi Parmar during a news conference Tuesday (July 29) morning. “Right now 98.5 per cent of the hectares burned have been in the Prince George Fire Centre, primarily in northeastern British Columbia. In the rest of the province we are seeing a season that is quieter than usual but let me be clear don’t let that lull (you into) a false sense of security.”

Calm winds are expected to remain, which will benefit the firefighters on the ground, but may hinder air resources moving forward.

“The conditions today are hot and dry and not so much windy which is why that smoke is sitting there and we expect much of the same tomorrow as well,” said Colman. “So, hopefully in the afternoon we will see a little but of gustiness that will help lift the smoke up so we can get some aircraft up, but we will see how it plays out.”