An aggressive wildfire is currently burning near Lytton, and has grown to 700 hectares.
Named the Cisco Road Wildfire, it is zero per cent contained, and smoke can be seen from Highway 1.
Fire Information Officer Kelsey Winter says they are hoping 40-60 km/h winds will die down as they are hampering efforts and keeping the fire at a 'Rank 5' – the most aggressive.
“We hope the winds calm down, that is currently the biggest challenge," says Winter.
Fires are ranked from a one to a six, with six being the most extreme. A 'Rank 5' means the fire is an “extremely vigorous surface fire that produces black to copper smoke, has an organized crown fire front, moderate to long-range spotting and independent spot fire growth”. Rank 5 fires are considered very difficult to control.
The fire is threatening nearby structures and an evacuation alert and order have been issued by the Lytton First Nations Band for nearby First Nations communities.
There was no lightning reported in the area and as a result the fire is believed to be human caused, at this time.
“There are three helicopters actioning the fire, as well as 22 firefighters with 20 more en route,” explains Winter.
We will have more details as they become available.
Send photos and video to [email protected].
To report a wildfire, call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on cellular networks.