Wildfire crews making progress against huge blaze near Lytton

KAMLOOPS – Crews now have the wildfire burning across the Fraser River from Lytton 50 per cent contained.

Firefighters will be working to put out hot spots today, June 21, moving in from the perimeter of the nearly 1,900 hectare Cisco Road Wildfire, according to an update from B.C. Wildfire Management.

The north side of the fire, which is closest to the threatened homes, is the top priority for the almost 200 firefighters working the blaze, the update says.

Along with the ground crews, there are nine helicopters dropping water or fire retardant and four pieces of heavy equipment building the fire guard.

Over 60 properties remain on Evacuation Alert in both the Lytton First Nation and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District.

The wildfire was discovered on June 11 and the cause of the blaze is under investigation.

The fire continues to generate a lot of smoke, which can be seen by drivers on Highway 1, in Lytton and surrounding communities. Depending on weather conditions and wind direction, smoke can be carried as far as the Merritt, Kamloops or Vernon areas.

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