Wildfire near Lytton remains out of control

The B.C. Wildfire Service is bringing in another 21-strong unit crew to help fight a wildfire about two kilometres northwest of Lytton, on the other side of the Fraser River.

It brings the total to four unit crews on site. The service said 15 structure protection specialists and several helicopters are also being mobilized.

There was minimal fire growth overnight Friday into Saturday as winds were calm, but steep terrain continues to be a challenge, the service said.

Environment Canada issued a special air quality advisory for the Fraser Canyon Saturday due to the wildfire smoke. It said conditions are expected to last 24 to 48 hours, and its bulletin will be updated today.

The fire, which has grown to an estimated 1,500 hectares and has burned at least half a dozen homes, comes just over a year after another wildfire burned down most of Lytton and displaced many residents, who have yet to return home.

Officials say the cause of the blaze is unknown and is being investigated.

Provincial Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said Friday that neither the village of Lytton nor any other communities are in the fire’s path, and no injuries have been reported.