Wildfire sparked by alleged drunk driver during a hit and run

Photo: Miriam Halpenny

Thanks to first responders and local farmers, devastation was avoided after an alleged impaired driver fled from the scene of a collision which sparked a wildfire within close proximity of homes outside of Lytton.

First responders attended the scene of a hit-and-run on August 1 at about 6:30 p.m., on North Spencer Road at Lytton Ferry Road on the west side of the Fraser River.

Witnesses told RCMP that the vehicle involved was an older Ford F150 pickup, which fled the scene after it collided with a hydro pole.

Following the incident, the hydro pole toppled and caused a small wildfire. Farmers in the area who were first on scene took action against the blaze which likely prevented it from burning out of control.

BC Wildfire ground crews, a helicopter and the Lytton Volunteer Fire Department worked quickly to suppress the fire.

RCMP located the suspect vehicle with front end damage on South Spencer Road. The driver and passenger were identified and an impaired driving investigation is underway.

The driver is a Lytton man in his 40s who provided a "fail" roadside breath sample. A 90-Day Immediate Roadside Prohibition was issued to the man under the BC Motor Vehicle Act and his truck was impounded. He could also be charged for failing to remain at the scene of a crash as well as being held civilly responsible for the costs incurred for battling the wildfire.

"Thanks to the collaborative work of all those involved in the suppression efforts, no structures were threatened or destroyed before the fire was put out and the individual police believe to be responsible for the blaze was located and identified," says Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey, spokesperson for the BC RCMP Southeast District.

If you witnessed this incident and have not yet spoken to police, call the Lytton RCMP at 250-455-2225.