Two Wildfires Near Lytton, British Columbia, Brought Under Control

Two wildfires started near Lytton, British Columbia, on Monday. C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) brought both fires under control the same day. One fire covered 6 hectares near Siska Creek, approximately five kilometres south of Lytton, and was suspected to be human-caused.

The second fire spanned 75 hectares and was located about 50 kilometres northeast of the Siska Creek fire. On Tuesday, crews worked to extinguish hot spots, patrol the perimeter, and conduct mop-up activities. Since April 1, the BCWS has responded to 16 wildfires covering around 78 hectares in the province.

Sarah Budd, BCWS provincial information officer, stated that the area burned so far this year is below the 10-year average.

“We are tracking below that 10-year average in terms of area burned.”

Budd advised property owners to apply fire-smart principles, such as cleaning gutters, checking decks, and removing flammable debris from homes. She also recommended that people entering backcountry areas check for fire prohibitions and restrictions.

Budd noted that warmer spring weather increases the risk of new ignitions across the province. The BCWS does not define a specific fire season but responds when conditions allow fires to start. Individuals who observe a wildfire should report it to the BCWS via phone, text, or mobile app.

The BCWS plans to release its spring seasonal outlook on April 16, detailing current conditions and potential implications for the coming months. The service maintains more than 600 year-round positions for emergency response operations. Applications for new recruits reached a record high this year, with successful candidates undergoing boot camp and crew leader training.

Tricia Thorpe, area director for Blue Sky Country in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, received notification of the wildfires on Monday. The fires were addressed quickly through coordination among Lytton First Nation, Lytton Fire and Rescue, BCWS, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

Thorpe described the area as very dry, highlighting ongoing community efforts to maintain safety.