(JENNIFER STAHN / iNFOnews.ca)

Devastation was narrowly averted after an allegedly impaired driver fled from a crash scene that sparked a wildfire within hundreds of feet from homes outside of Lytton B.C.

Emergency first responders mobilized Aug. 1 at approximately 6:30 p.m., and went to the scene of a hit and run collision on North Spencer Road at Lytton Ferry Road situated on the west side of the Fraser River.

"Witnesses told police that the vehicle involved, an older model Ford F150 pickup truck, fled the scene after colliding with a hydro pole," Cpl. Jesse O'Donaghey said in a press release.

"The force of the collision toppled the hydro pole, which then sparked a small wildfire. Local farmers were the first on scene and took action which no doubt knocked the blaze back and likely prevented it from burning out of control. The wildfire was suppressed by BC Wildfire ground crews, a helicopter and the Lytton Volunteer Fire Department who arrived on scene quickly."

RCMP officers located the suspect vehicle on South Spencer Road, with front end damage consistent with colliding with a power pole. The driver and his passenger were identified by police who initiated an impaired driving investigation.

The driver, a Lytton man in his 40s, was provided with a demand and he submitted samples of his breath roadside, both of which resulted in a fail, O'Donaghey said.

He was issued a 90-Immediate Roadside Prohibition from driving under the BC Motor Vehicle Act, and his vehicle was impounded. He could face further charges for failing to remain at the scene of a crash, and could be held civilly liable for the costs incurred to battling the wildfire.

"Thanks to the collaborative work of all those involved in the suppression efforts, no structures were threatened or destroyed before the fire was put out and the individual police believe to be responsible for the blaze was located and identified,"  O’Donaghey, spokesperson for the BC RCMP Southeast District, said in the release.

If you witnessed this crash and have not yet spoken to police you are asked to call the Lytton RCMP at 250-455-2225.

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