Cisco Road wildfire grows under controlled burns

LYTTON – A wildfire that was discovered a week ago near Lytton and grew rapidly over 24 hours has grown again, but this time because of controlled burns.

B.C. Wildfire crews are working the Cisco Road Wildfire which was first discovered on June 11. It was first estimated at 150 hectares and by the end of the day had grown to about 1,300 ha and was threatening properties. Evacuation alerts and orders were put into place on Lytton First Nations properties.

Crews held the line over the following days and have been performing controlled burns on the south side of the fire to remove extra fuel and make it safer for firefighters. Because of that the fire has now grown to an estimated 1,570 ha.

The fire is 20 per cent contained and remains active. Fire suppression remains a top priority at the north side of the fire, where it is coming close to structures, and guards are being put in place. In total more than 160 firefighters and support staff are on site and are being supported by 12 helicopters and four pieces of heavy equipment.

The fire remains highly visible from the highway, Lytton and surrounding communities. Smoke is still being carried into the Kamloops, Merritt and Vernon areas as well.

Another public meeting will be held today, June 18, at 5 p.m. at Memorial Hall in Lytton.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Jennifer Stahn at jstahn@infonews.ca or call 250-819-3723. To contact an editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.