A fast-moving wildfire erupted near Lytton, British Columbia on Thursday, forcing officials to declare a local state of emergency and issue immediate evacuation orders for residents still haunted by the devastating 2021 blaze that destroyed much of their community.
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District implemented the emergency measures Thursday evening as the George Road wildfire, located approximately 1.5 kilometers southwest of Lytton, grew rapidly amid challenging weather conditions. Local firefighting crews and the BC Wildfire Service are battling the flames that threaten a community still rebuilding from previous disaster.
“This is particularly traumatic for Lytton residents who experienced the catastrophic fire three years ago,” said Regional Fire Chief Jason Martin. “Many families are still in temporary housing and rebuilding their lives from the 2021 incident that destroyed 90% of the village.”
According to the BC Wildfire Service, the fire has grown to approximately 100 hectares as of early Friday morning, with winds of 20-30 km/h pushing flames toward residential areas. Officials report the blaze as “out of control” despite deploying multiple air tankers, helicopters, and ground crews.
The evacuation order affects approximately 300 people across 150 properties in the surrounding area. Emergency Support Services has established a reception center at the Kamloops Alliance Church, providing temporary accommodations, food vouchers, and essential supplies to evacuees.
Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart expressed deep concern for residents facing another wildfire crisis. “The emotional toll cannot be overstated. Many of these families lost everything just three years ago and are now facing the same terrifying scenario again.”
Climate experts point to increasingly severe wildfire seasons in British Columbia. The province recorded 2,158 wildfires in 2023, burning over 2.8 million hectares – a troubling trend expected to continue through 2024’s hot, dry summer conditions.
Highway 1 through the Fraser Canyon remains closed in both directions near Lytton as emergency personnel work to contain the fire and conduct safe evacuations. DriveBC advises motorists to use alternate routes and check their website for the latest updates.
For residents seeking information, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District has established an emergency operations hotline at 1-866-377-7188. Officials urge anyone under evacuation order to register with Emergency Support Services, even if they don’t require immediate assistance.
As firefighters work through the night, the community once again faces an uncertain future while demonstrating remarkable resilience. For the latest on this developing situation, visit CO24 Breaking News.
