6 homes destroyed as out-of-control wildfire burns near Lytton, B.C., at least 80 residents evacuated

Crews continue to fight a fast-growing wildfire burning outside of Lytton, B.C., on Friday, with two-dozen families in the area ordered evacuated from their homes.

The fire has burned more than eight square kilometres of trees and bush as of noon — an area double the size of Vancouver’s Stanley Park. The B.C. Wildfire Service said the out-of-control fire is burning vigorously, ranked as a four on a six-point scale measuring fire behaviour.

Another 60 firefighters and personnel arrived Friday morning.

The fire is located on the west side of the Fraser River, less than two kilometres from the village that was wiped out by an aggressive wildfire after a record-breaking heat wave last summer.

Homes and property on the west shore, part of the Lytton First Nation Reserve, were spared during that fire but stand closer to the current blaze.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District issued an evacuation order Thursday for 24 addresses in the area. An evacuation alert for 31 additional properties north of the fire is also in place, advising residents they need to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. 

The Lytton First Nation also has evacuation orders in place for several reserves: 

The orders affect nearly 150 people, but some have stayed behind.

“Most are aware that fire is in our midst and they are cognizant that fire poses a great risk to their safety, so a lot did leave,” said John Haugen, the deputy fire chief with the Lytton First Nation.

“There are a lot that did stay and fight the fires closer to their homes. They were able to save some of the structures.”

Colman said firefighting efforts have been challenging because road access to the area is limited. West shore residents have been crossing the Fraser River by foot, over a CN rail bridge, for weeks. 

Why Lytton, B.C., is among the hottest places in Canada 14 days ago

Duration 1:44

Johanna Wagstaffe explains how Lytton’s geography causes the village’s temperature to exceed 30 C, on average, 80 times during the summer.

Flooding also complicated Thursday’s evacuation, with the regional district directing evacuees to take Spencer Road North to Lillooet for emergency support.

“The route south to Boston Bar on the west side of the Fraser River has been compromised due to the spring freshet, and the Lytton Ferry remains out of service due to high water,” a notice read.

The fire, named the Nohonim Creek fire, started around 12:45 p.m. on Thursday. Officials said flames spread quickly, fanned by gusting winds in the area. 

The B.C. Wildfire Service said the cause is unknown.

Power for the municipality of Lytton has been out since Thursday afternoon. As of midday Friday, B.C. Hydro said a little more than 70 people were still cut off.

Pader Brach, executive director of regional operations at Emergency Management B.C., said some buildings may have already been destroyed.

“We have received reports that approximately three structures may have been lost, but this has yet to be confirmed,” he said Thursday.

Premier John Horgan said his thoughts are with people in the area.

“It’s unimaginable to face a second wildfire a year after the devastation they faced,” he wrote on Twitter. “Thank you to the crews working to keep people safe.”

Brach said emergency support, including food, lodging and clothing, will be provided to people under an evacuation order for up to 72 hours.