Minimal activity expected today on Lytton Creek fire

Thanks to last night’s rainfall and lower temperatures, fire crews are expecting minimal activity on the Lytton Creek fire today (Aug 17).

“An incoming cold front brought cooler temperatures and rain yesterday and this morning. Minimal fire activity is expected,” confirmed the BC Wildfire file.

The fire is being fought on multiple flanks with the east side of the blaze threatening Merritt and Lower Nicola.

“Today, crews will extinguish hot spots on the south side of the fire. If crews can access the site, danger tree assessment and danger tree falling will begin to take place along Highway 8 as well as work with BC Hydro to clean up downed powerlines. Direct attack measures will continue along Highway 8 to make the road safe for emergency responders and to protect structures in the area,” continues the file.

This afternoon, the fire is estimated at 71,323 hectares.

All previous evacuation alerts and orders, including those issued by the City of Merritt, TNRD and Local first nation bands remain in effect. The TNRD confirmed no recommendations have been given about possibly rescinding the alerts or orders at this time.