iN VIDEO: Wildfire near Lytton explodes to 500 ha in less than a day

The Nohomin Creek wildfire in the Lytton area was discovered around noon yesterday, and its already sparked evacuation orders in the area.

Wildfire ground crews and air support responded to the area yesterday afternoon, July 14, trying to surpress the blaze in the Lytton area, which is still recovering from last year's devastating wildfire the destroyed the village.

It's the first "fire of note" of 2022 for the B.C. Wildfire Service, and has now reached about 500 hectares, according to the wildfire service dashboard.

The Thompson Nicola Regional District ordered 24 properties to evacuate around 6:20 p.m., Thursday night, then placed 31 on alert just before 10 p.m. Lytton First Nation also ordered people in five of its reserves to evacuate.

The fire, and all properties under evacuation, are on the west side of the Fraser River, while the still-rebuilding village of Lytton is on the east.

The Lytton ferry is not running because of high water, so evacuees are advised by the Lytton First Nation to travel north to Lillooet.

The wildfire service said the wind picked up speed in the area yesterday afternoon, and Environment Canada forecasts the wind will continue today.

A 30 km/h south wind, with gusts up to 50 km/h, will likely fan the flames through to Saturday.

The wildfire service had 32 firefighters on the blaze last night and expects to add 40 more this morning.

There were also two helicopters and air tankers suppressing the blaze yesterday.

The cause of Nohomin Creek wildfire is still under investigation, according to the wildfire service.

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