Progress made on Lytton fire but still lots of smoke

NEWS/ WILDFIRES — There’s not a lot more fire today, but there will be a lot more smoke over the next several days as the battle against the Cisco Road wildfire near Lytton continues.

The 1,270-hectare blaze, which is now 20-percent contained, didn’t grow appreciably overnight but smoke from controlled burn operations on the south and northeast sides will be highly visible over the next four days.

The B.C. Wildfire Management Branch will conduct the burns to restrict the spread of the fire. Burning between established control lines and the fire’s perimeter will also protect property in the area, the branch said.

Exact timing for the burns will depend on weather and site conditions.

An evacuation order has been issued by the Lytton First Nations, and property owners in both Lytton First Nation and Thompson-Nicola Regional District are on alert.

Ninety-four firefighters, 10 helicopters and five pieces of heavy equipment are being used to fight the fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.