50-hectare wildfire ignites south of Lillooet

LYTTON/LILLOOET – The BC Wildfire Service is responding to a new wildfire between Lytton and Lillooet, which is believed to have been sparked by lightning.

The largest fire is an estimated 50 hectares in size, and it’s located in the Riley Creek area about 10 kilometres south of Lillooet. It’s burning rank 3, meaning a moderately vigorous surface fire with occasional candling of trees along the fire perimeter.

“Airtankers did respond to this wildfire and while unable to action due to steep terrain and the location, they assisted in the initial assessment of the incident,” the BC Wildfire Service said, in a statement. “This is a high elevation fire, burning high up in the mountains in steep and challenging terrain.”

“A majority of fire growth is along the western flank, burning up into snow and rocks.”