Wildfire near Lytton now estimated at 2,223 hectares

A wildfire burning out-of-control just under two kilometres northwest of the village of Lytton now covers more than 22 square kilometres.

British Columbia’s wildfire service said as expected, the recent warmer and drier weather combined with the extremely steep terrain has resulted in a significant increase in activity in the Nohomin Creek Fire, particularly north of the Stein River.

The service said the lower relative humidity will cause fuels to dry out, creating potentially volatile conditions during peak burning times.

Crews are expected to begin planned ignitions to remove fuel between the fire and preidentified natural control lines.

The blaze has destroyed at least six properties and forced more than 100 people from their homes on the west side of the Fraser River, northeast of Vancouver.

The wildfire service said it is working with a representative of Lytton First Nation to identify areas of cultural value in the area and decide how to protect them.