Image Credit: BC Wildfire Service

By James Peters

Wildfire Start

New wildfire south of Lytton triggers evacuation alerts from Lytton First Nation, TNRD

Jul 29, 2025 | 5:23 AM

LYTTON, B.C. — A new wildfire start discovered south of Lytton Monday (July 28) has already grown to 150 hectares, prompting a pair of evacuation alerts.

The Cantilever Bar fire erupted about 10 kilometres south of Lytton near Kanaka Bar. It is burning on the western bank of the Fraser River and can be seen from the Trans Canada Highway.

In response, the Lytton First Nation and the Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD) have each told nearby residents to prepare for an evacuation.

The First Nation has issued an evacuation alert for the Lytton 26A, Skwayaynope 26, Lytton 31, Nickeyeah 25, Papyum 27, Papyum 27A, Lytton 27B and Nohomeen 23 reserves.

The TNRD has also issued an alert for five properties along Spencer Road. For a map of the area put on alert, click here.

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Those under alert are advised to have supplies ready in case they are ordered to leave and to make arrangements for pets or livestock.

Cantilever Bar fire, July 28. (Image Credit: Facebook / Albert Higginbottom)

The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) believes the fire was caused by human activity. It is burning adjacent to a rail right-of-way.

BCWS sent three initial attack crews and three helicopters to attack the blaze Monday, including two helicopters equipped with night vision technology that continued working into the evening.

Firefighters reported the blaze burning at Rank 2 and 3 Monday, indicating “a low to moderately vigorous surface fire with a slow to moderate rate of spread.”

Cantilever Bar fire, July 28. (Image Credit: Facebook / Tricia Thorpe)