27 Jul 2022 | 08:10 AM UTC
Canada: Emergency crews responding to wildfire near Lytton in British Columbia as of late July 26 /update 2
Emergency crews responding to wildfire near Lytton in British Columbia, Canada, as of late July 26. Evacuations ongoing.
Event
Emergency crews are working to contain the Nohomin Creek Fire burning near the village of Lytton in Thompson-Nicola Regional District, British Columbia, as of late July 26. The wildfire is approximately 1.7 km (1 mile) northwest of Lytton, on the west side of the Fraser River. The fire broke out in the afternoon of July 14 and the cause of the fire is unknown. As of the afternoon of July 26, the fire was approximately 2,364 hectares (5,841 acres) in size and is classified as Out of Control. Authorities have not provided an estimated containment date for the fire. As of early July 27, Environment Canada has issued red (highest level on a three-tier scale) heat warnings across British Columbia through at least July 30; hot and dry conditions may hamper firefighting efforts over the coming days. Additional wildfire growth is likely. The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) declared a State of Local Emergency due to the fire July 15. The fire destroyed at least six houses. Authorities are working to restore power to properties along the west side of the Fraser River.
Evacuations
Due to the fire's growth, Lytton First Nation authorities have issued evacuation orders for the reserves of Nohomeen IR 13, Papyum IRs 27, 27A, Lytton IR 27B, Papyum Graveyard 27C, and Stryen IR 9 west of Stein River. Evacuation alerts have been issued for Stryen IR 9 and Lytton IR 9A. Thompson Nicola Regional District authorities have issued evacuation orders for Electoral Area "I" (Blue Sky Country) and evacuation alerts for properties north of Lytton along Hwy 12, as well as all properties on the west side of the Fraser River and north of Stein River to the Squamish Lillooet Regional District border. A reception center for evacuated residents has been established at Lillooet Rec Centre, 930 Main Street, Lillooet. More than 130 people are under evacuation orders. Authorities could expand the mandatory evacuation orders depending on evolving wildfire conditions. The Stein Valley Nlaka'pamux Heritage Park remains closed.
Transport
Highways 1 and 12 in the vicinity of the fire remain open as of the afternoon of July 26. The Lytton Ferry has resumed service and is open to local traffic and emergency vehicles only. Anticipate the status of nearby roads to change over the coming hours and days; authorities could close routes within the wildfire complex and evacuated communities due to fire activity and the needs of response operations. The return of residents could disrupt traffic flows after authorities lift evacuation orders. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region.
Advice
Heed all evacuation orders. Seek updated information on road conditions if driving in the affected area; road closures and detours will cause increased congestion and delays. Collect essential items - including identification and any important legal and travel documents - in an easily accessible "go-bag." Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged power outages.
Individuals not under evacuation warnings should consider remaining inside well-ventilated, air-conditioned spaces to reduce exposure to smoke. Individuals with chronic respiratory illnesses may be more susceptible to the negative effects of smoke inhalation. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water.
