Firefighters Make Progress Against Izman Creek Wildfire in British Columbia
Lytton, B.C., The Gulf Observer: Crews from the B.C. Wildfire Service made steady progress over the weekend in containing the Izman Creek wildfire, which continues to burn out of control north of Lytton along Highway 12.
The wildfire, which was accidentally ignited on Canada Day by a passing RCMP trailer, has led to evacuation orders for three properties near the highway and placed nine additional properties under evacuation alert. The affected area lies within the Fraser Canyon region, approximately 170 kilometres southwest of Kamloops.
As of Sunday, the fire was estimated to cover approximately 245 hectares, a revised figure following more accurate perimeter mapping. Fire information officer Sarah Hall clarified that the increase in size does not indicate heightened fire activity but reflects improved assessment methods.
“Over the weekend we were seeing smouldering fire conditions and lighter winds, which allowed crews to directly engage the fire with support from helicopters,” Hall stated.
However, fire officials are closely monitoring the weather, with temperatures expected to rise and a cold front anticipated to bring gusty winds of up to 50–60 kilometres per hour starting Tuesday. These conditions could pose challenges in the coming days.
Highway 12 remains open to local traffic only between Lytton and Lillooet — about 64 kilometres to the northwest — due to ongoing firefighting operations. Hall advised motorists to exercise caution, as crews and firefighting equipment will remain active in the area.
“On the western flank, where Highway 12 is located, our crews are maintaining a presence both day and night to ensure the road remains safe for local travel,” she added.
Meanwhile, in a separate wildfire incident, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District lifted an evacuation alert on Friday for properties previously threatened by the Mount Scatchard wildfire, located west of Chase, B.C. The Neskonlith Indian Band had earlier downgraded an evacuation order affecting around 40 properties to an alert status.
Authorities continue to urge residents and travellers in fire-prone areas to remain vigilant and follow local advisories as wildfire season intensifies.
