Wildfire burns near Hope as crews make progress in Lytton

HOPE (NEWS 1130) – A new wildfire is burning on in B.C., this time bringing crews to Highway 3 southeast of Hope.

The fire is considered out of control and is about 35 hectares in size. It’s not currently threatening any buildings.

Dozens of crew members have been tasked with fighting the Eleven Mile Creek fire, with the BC Wildfire Service adding aircraft are also assigned.

The Eleven Mile Creek fire (V10859) is located about 13 km SE of #Hope & is highly visible from #BCHwy3. It is approx. 35 ha; its status is ‘Out of Control’. There are 52 firefighters, 4 helicopters & 1 water tender assigned. No homes or infrastructure are threatened. #BCWildfire pic.twitter.com/DaFM3sfVtv

— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) June 22, 2021

This fire comes as crews continue to battle what is currently the only wildfire of note in B.C., near Lytton.

The George Road fire, which is also classified as out of control, is now an estimated 350 hectares in size. The BC Wildfire Service says there has been no new growth since Tuesday and crews are making good progress, despite the hot and dry conditions in the region.

Crews have faced some challenges in fighting this fire, as it’s burning in steep terrain.

“Yesterday, two specialized rappel initial attack crews evaluated the inaccessible areas on the north and south flank to assess if they will be able to access those parts of the fire by rappelling to the ground from the helicopter,” the BC Wildfire Service update from Wednesday reads. “It was determined that they could safely access and work in those areas and are beginning that work today.”

UPDATE: There has been no new growth on the George Rd wildfire (K70804). #BCWildfire crews continue to make good progress despite the hot weather. Previous Evacuation Alerts have been rescinded. For more info, visit: https://t.co/20NmQ6Rfzk #Lytton

— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) June 23, 2021