A fire 4 km west of Lytton near Kumsheen closed the Trans-Canada Highway in both directions early today, although as of 3:00 p.m. on June 30 the highway had been reopened to single-lane, alternating traffic.
An employee at Kumsheen Rafting Adventures says that the fire is not threatening the site, and that they are getting regular updates. Water bombers were brought in to try to bring the blaze under control.
The 4 hectare fire is one of three fires near Lytton that were discovered in the early morning of June 30. All three fires are suspected to be human-caused.
The BC Wildfire Service reminds anyone travelling over the long weekend to be aware of fire risks and hazards. Many areas in the western part of the province are considerably drier than is normal at this time of year, with drought conditions once more expected in several parts of the province.
The recent hot weather in this region, combined with a low snowpack, means that forests and backcountry areas are at risk from human-caused fire. The provincial government has recently significantly increased the fines for those who contribute to or cause wildfires.