Update:
An evacuation order has been issued for the Lytton 26A & Skwayaynope 26 reserves as the Cantilever Bar wildfire has grown to be considered a threat to life and safety.
Residents are directed to leave immediately using the Westside evacuation route which is north via South Spencer Road to Lytton via the reaction ferry or over the winch spur bridge, and are reminded to pack prescription medication and identification for the entire family.
A reception centre is set up at the Lytton First Nation Battlefield Community Hall at 1756 Battlefield Road in Lytton for those affected by the evacuation order.
To access short-term basic support, register for Emergency Support Services at https://ess.gov.bc.ca/ or call 778-254-9754 or 778-254-9786.
Evacuation alerts were first issued on July 28 and upgraded to orders by Lytton First Nation at 8 a.m. on Thursday, July 31.
Original:
The Cantilever Bar wildfire, south of Lytton, is now estimated at 650 hectares.
The blaze, which sparked on Monday, July 28, is suspected to be human-caused.
Evacuation alerts issued by Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) and Lytton First Nation for several properties and reserves on the west side of the Fraser were issued July 28. On July 29, Siska First Nation and Skuppah First Nation issued evacuation alerts for reserves in the area of the fire.
According to the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), the blaze is displaying Rank 2 and 3 fire behaviour, meaning a low to moderately vigorous surface fire with a slow to moderate rate of spread, open flame and occasional candling.
The fire behaviour did increase on Wednesday due to high temperatures and solar radiation, which dried out fuels. Fire growth has been predominantly upslope to the west and north, stated BCWS.
For July 31, there are 31 firefighters responding with the support of six single resources along with four helicopters. Structure protection personnel are also responding to this incident.
Temperatures for Thursday are forecast to reach 38 C with a 30 percent chance of showers later in the day. Wind will pick up in the afternoon, gusting from 30 km/h to 50 km/h.
Smoke from the blaze is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility.
The Fraser Canyon and South Thompson regions will be impacted by wildfire smoke over the next 24 to 48 hours. The smoke will also impact Cache Creek and Ashcroft.
