Evacuation orders, alerts issues as wildfire burns along Highway 1 near Lytton

Residents in this area who need Emergency Support Services are asked to go to the Battlefield Community Hall, located at 1756 Battlefield Road within Lytton First Nation.

Additionally, the TNRD will be issuing a formal Evacuation Alert on behalf of the Village of Lytton. At this time, the Village of Lytton is not on Evacuation Order.

An official map from the TNRD highlighting the effected area has not yet been released.

UPDATE (8:00 p.m.): The Village of Lytton has issued an evacuation alert for all residents in the village. Approximately 20 homes have been rebuilt since the 2021 fire, with around 75 residents calling Lytton home.

The following was posted to the Village’s website on Friday evening:

There is an uncontrolled wildfire south of the Village of Lytton. An EVACUATION ALERT has been issued for residents in the Village of Lytton.

There is no need evacuate at this time, but be prepared to do so on short notice if an evacuation order is issued.

If an evacuation order is issued, evacuees can report to the Lytton First Nation Battlefield Community Hall for shelter.

We will share additional information as it becomes available.

UPDATE (6:45 p.m.): The Saw Creek wildfire has now grown to 100 hectares.

According to Drive BC, Highway 1 is now closed between Ashcroft and Boston Bar to allow crews to work the fire.

BC Wildfire Service says the fire is “burning Rank 4 and 5, meaning a highly to extremely vigorous surface fire with an organized crown fire and moderate- to long-range spotting. Hot and dry conditions have made fuels highly susceptible to ignition.”

Lytton Fire Rescue has joined BCWS to fight the fire, along with aircraft.

EARLIER: BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) crews are responding to a new wildfire start south of Lytton Friday afternoon (June 19).

The Saw Creek fire was discovered Friday burning on the east side of the Trans Canada Highway, just north of the Skuppah 2B reserve.

As of about 5:30 p.m. Friday, BCWS estimated the blaze at 10 hectares and says it is caused by human activity.

There are no evacuation orders or alerts associated with the fire as yet.

(Image Credit: Facebook / Jessie Leech)

(Image Credit: Facebook / Shirley Karhu Mackay)

(Image Credit: Facebook / Allen Thom)

by James Peters

Evacuation orders, alerts issues as wildfire burns along Highway 1 near Lytton

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