Lytton residents ordered to evacuate as wildfire takes control of village

© Provided by Vancouver Sun British Columbia’s Wildfire Service says an out-of-control blaze in the Fraser Canyon has grown further burning 3.5 square kilometres of bush south of Lytton, B.C.

Lytton mayor Jan Polderman has ordered all residents to evacuate immediately due to a “fire event” within the village of 300.

Polderman issued the order under the B.C. Emergency Program Act at 6 p.m.

The order states “because of the potential danger to life and safety the Village of Lytton has issued an evacuation order for all properties in the downtown area and surrounds.

“All residents are advised to leave the community and go to a safe location,” the order states.

Video from the scene shows people fleeing in vehicles as dense smoke blankets the main road and wild winds shake the trees. There is at least one burning building.

Lytton smashed the national heat record on Tuesday recording 49.6 C as a wildfire burned near.

Highway One is closed between Boston Bar and Spences Bridge.

The first major wildfire of the season was reported two weeks ago seven kilometres south of Lytton alongside Highway One and was controlled over the course of several days using helicopters and ground crews.