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Kamloops  

Lytton fire contained

UPDATE: 5:05 p.m 

Highway 1 just west of Lytton has now been fully reopened, after a wildfire temporarily closed it earlier Thursday. 


UPDATE: 3 p.m.

A wildfire near Lytton that forced the closure of Highway 1 has now been contained.

Fire information officer Rachel Witt says air tankers have completed their work and were able to fully contain the seven-hectare fire.

Just one lane of traffic has been open while fire crews continue to mop up close to the highway.

Witt expects the highway to be completely opened later today.

It is believed the fire, which was spotted earlier today, was human caused.


UPDATE: 2 p.m.

DriveBC now estimates Highway 1 will reopen to single-lane-alternating traffic by 2:45 p.m.

Castanet will update this story as soon as we receive new information from the BC Wildfire Service.


ORIGINAL: 12 p.m.

An aggressive, fast-moving wildfire has closed Highway 1 in both directions west of Lytton.

According to the BC Wildfire Service, the new fire is currently two hectares in size, but growing. 

“There is Rank 3 behaviour, so the fire behaviour is fairly aggressive,” says fire information officer Rachel Witt. 

“Some candling, smoke and flames, that kind of activity. The rate of spread is pretty quick.”

She says they have 27 personnel on scene, or on their way to the scene, to fight back the fire.

“We have one helicopter, and we have just requested full tanker action, so two tankers and a bird dog should be on site soon,” says Witt.

The estimated time of highway opening is currently not available. 

An alternate route is available southbound via Hwy. 97 to Cache Creek, Hwy. 1 to Kamloops then Hwy. 5.

Alternate route northbound is Hwy. 5 to Kamloops, Hwy. 1 to Cache Creek to Hwy. 97. 

Castanet will update this story with further details as soon as we receive updated information from the Wildfire Service.



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