Lytton Creek fire approaching 48,000 hectares; crews anticipate difficult conditions, more growth

Photo: Alanna Kelly

A wildfire burns on the side of a mountain in Lytton on Wednesday.

The deadly Lytton Creek wildfire has once again grown significantly in size, and crews are expecting it to get even bigger in the coming days.

According to new mapping Friday from the BC Wildfire Service, the fire is now estimated to cover approximately 47,486 hectares.

“Following successful controlled ignitions there has been no additional fire growth on the east side of the Thompson River in the area surrounding Spences Bridge [and] crews continue to patrol this area,” the BC Wildfire Service said Friday in an update.

“Increased fire activity continued on the northwest side of the Thompson River, near Goldpan Park.”

According to crews, the fire is moving south from its southeast flank.

“This section of the fire is in steep terrain, which is inoperable for ground crews,” the update said.

“While heavy equipment has established a control line to the south, crews are working to connect the control line to hand guard. This control line will be used for hand ignitions under the direction of an ignition specialist if conditions allow.”

Firefighters are expecting difficult conditions to worsen.

“Due to forecast weather, a significant increase in fire activity is anticipated today,” the update read.

“There is potential for growth on many parts of the fire, dependant upon weather, topography and available forest fuels. Due to increasing temperatures and low relative humidity, increased fire behaviour is anticipated in the coming days.”

The Lytton Creek fire was sparked on June 30, when it tore through the Village of Lytton and killed two residents.

This story will be updated when more information is known.