Riley Creek wildfire near Lillooet, BC burns 50 hectares in steep, inaccessible terrain

A wildfire designated K70659, known as the Riley Creek fire, was discovered on June 24 2026 about nine kilometres south of Lillooet in British Columbia. The fire has burned roughly 50 hectares of steep, rocky, snow‑covered terrain and remains out of control. Lightning is the suspected cause.

Because the area is unsafe and inaccessible, the BC Wildfire Service is using a modified response that prioritises crew safety. No ground crews are deployed; the fire is being monitored by frequent aerial flights and helicopters used for reconnaissance only. If the blaze moves into more accessible terrain, suppression crews may be assigned. Officials note that stronger winds and higher temperatures could increase smoke.

The agency emphasizes that responder safety is the top priority and that bucketing from helicopters alone is rarely sufficient without ground personnel.