BCWS expands response to Saw Creek Wildfire

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“If you are in the described area, you must leave immediately,” the TNRD said in a statement. “A person must not enter the Evacuation Order area for purposes of residing, occupying, or visiting the area.”

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An evacuation order is also on effect for Klahkamich IR 17 and Kitzowitz IR 20, which fall under the jurisdiction of the Lytton First Nation.

The expanded evacuation alerts now include all properties south of the Village of Lytton to Siska Creek. According to the TNRD, about 165 properties in Lytton and two properties in Electoral Area “I” (Blue Sky Country) are now on alert.

“This Evacuation Alert is in place to prepare you to evacuate your premises or property should it be found necessary,” said the TNRD.

“Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to an Evacuation Order; however, you may receive limited notice due to changing conditions.”

Evacuation alerts are also in effect for IR 2A and 2B of the Skuppah Indian Band and Zacht 5, Siska Flat 5A and Siska Flat 5B of the Siska Indian Band.

The Lytton First Nation has also issued evacuation alerts for IR 18 Klickkumcheen as well as areas north of Klahkamich 17.

You can find more details on how to prepare for an evacuation here.

(Image Credit: Thompson-Nicola Regional District)

The Trans-Canada Highway remains closed between Boston Bar and Ashcroft. There is no estimated time of reopening, but updates can be found here.

EARLIER: The B.C. Wildfire Srvice (BCWS) has sent more firefighters to combat the out-of-control Saw Creek Wildfire near Lytton.

As of Saturday morning, the fire is estimated to have grown to 600 hectares after it was first discovered on Friday (June 19).

There are 130 BCWS firefighting personnel, nine helicopters and structural protection crews assigned to the fire. They’re working alongside members of Lytton Fire and Rescue as well as a number of other fire departments that have sent crews to help respond.

“Overnight, crews and structure protection personnel prioritized the protection and defense of structures in the fire area. Fire crews and aircraft continued to focus efforts on securing the perimeter of the communities near this incident,” said the BCWS.

“Crews are working along the northwest and south flanks of the fire to establish control lines while helicopters assist with bucketing operations to decrease fire behaviour.”

The BC Wildfire Service said hot and dry conditions have made fuels highly susceptible to burning, despite cooler temperatures on Saturday (June 20).

Evacuation alerts and orders remain in effect in the Lytton area.

As of 11:00 p.m. on Friday (June 19), the TNRD’s evacuation order has expanded to 47 properties in the Village of Lytton.

The order impacts all properties east of the highway from Florence Road to the Lytton Airport. This includes IR 17, IR 20 Kitowitz, Ponderosa and Loring Way.

Those who have been evacuated are asked to go to Battlefield Community Hall at 1756 Battlefield Road.

A 117-kilometre stretch of Highway 1 between Cache Creek and Boston Bar remains closed. Drive BC said drivers can take Highways 5 and 97C as alternative routes.

The TNRD has declared a state of local emergency in Lytton and Electoral Area “I” (Blue Sky County) due to the Saw Creek Wildfire.

The TNRD said the declaration enables prompt coordination of action or special regulations of persons or property to protect the health, safety, or welfare of people or to limit damage to property.

“Declaring a State of Local Emergency enables local authorities to exercise the emergency powers listed in the Emergency and Disaster Management Act,” said the TNRD.

“The emergency powers are used to order of evacuation of residents from their homes, prohibit travel, and/ or enter private property when an emergency threatens lives, property, or the environment within the TNRD’s jurisdiction.”

The Village of Lytton has also placed a boil water notice on the entire community, IR17 and IR18 due to the wildfire.

The notice applies to all users of the water system, but those with weakened or undeveloped immune systems are most at risk.

“This includes elderly people, pregnant women and their unborn, children under the age of 2, people with AIDS, cancer, diabetes or kidney disease and people being treated with immune-suppressing medications,” said Village officials.

“As a precautionary measure, water users are advised to bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before using it for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, food preparation, etc.”