UPDATE: Temperatures drop as firefighters battle wildfire near Lytton

Temperature drops and humidity increases overnight helped keep wildfire activity low on the Nohomin Creek wildfire near Lytton.

The wildfire is currently mapped at 1,500 ha in size since it was discovered 1.7 km northwest of Lytton, July 14. At least six homes have been destroyed due to the fire.

Today, July 17, temperatures are expected to reach 20 C with winds gusting up to 40 km/hr in the afternoon. Precipitation is expected but not enough to significantly impact the wildfire, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service.

Crews are working to establish a water delivery system on the south flank of the fire and to secure a portion of the fire's edge that is adjacent to the Stryen Creek to prevent it from advancing into the south side of the Stein Valley. Firefighters are also continuing mop up duties around properties along the Fraser River.

A B.C. Wildfire Service initial attack crew and 10 firefighters from Lytton First Nation remained onsite overnight tonight to continue mop-up and patrolling along the northern flank near the Fraser River, according to the service.

Three water tenders and eight helicopters are responding to the blaze.

Evacuation orders and alerts remain in effect for the Lytton First Nation and Thompson Nicola Regional District.

The Lytton ferry is closed in both directions.

– This story was updated at 9:43 a.m. to include additional information from the B.C. Wildfire Service.

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