The Lytton Creek fire, which decimated the Village of Lytton on June 30, 2021, and has since moved north to threaten the community of Spences Bridge and west into the area of Shackan Indian Band, is still classified as out of control.
However, due to recent precipitation and cooler conditions, fire crews have made progress on fire containment, with 47 firefighters, six helicopters and 34 pieces of heavy equipment working to establish fire guards and control lines.
“If conditions allow, personnel will be executing controlled ignitions under the guidance of an ignition specialist today, August 3, on the southeast flank of the fire,” reads a statement by BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).
“Crews will be working from a control line that has been establish by heavy equipment and ground crews near Shackan Creek. Ignition operations will bring the edge of the fire to an area that is workable by ground crews. A combination of aerial and hand ignitions may continue over the next few days if conditions allow.”
Crews and heavy equipment continue to work on an additional contingency guard on the southeast flank, north of Nuaitch Creek. This guard will connect to existing roads and creeks that serve as natural fuel breaks.
In addition, a structural protection assessment of the Nooaitch community is taking place, with the structure protection equipment placed in the community of Shackan still in place and regularly maintained.
“Fire progression continues to the north towards Laluwissin Creek FSR,” said BCWS.
“Heavy equipment is working to construct a fire guard to north of the fire by widening existing roads. There is some downslope fire progression toward both the Botanie Valley and toward the Fraser River. On the east side of the Botanie Valley, near Sleetsis Creek, crews continue mop up activities.”
Due to reduced fire activity in the area, an Evacuation Order for 169 properties in Spences Bridge and along Hwy 8 has been downgraded to an Alert for the time being. Structural Protection Equipment will be demobilized in Spences Bridge and the area of the Cook’s Ferry Indian Band.
“Crews have constructed a hand guard on the west side of the Thompson River, near Goldpan Park where fire activity has been observed,” said BCWS.
“A thermal scan was completed last night along the Highway 8 corridor and in the area surrounding the communities of Nicomen and Gladwin to detect remaining hot spots. Crew will use the results of this scan to seek out and cool identified hot spots.”
The fire is now estimated to be 51,210 hectares.
