Wildfires near Lytton, B.C., cause evacuation orders and a local state of emergency amid hot, dry conditions and wildfire risks across the province.
Emergency Declared as Fires Advance Near Lytton
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District announced a local state of emergency for the Blue Sky Country area on Tuesday due to an out-of-control wildfire threatening properties near Lytton, British Columbia. Two homes on Spencer Road South received evacuation orders requiring immediate departure. The wildfire, known as the Nikaia Creek fire, measured around six hectares and posed an urgent risk to residents’ safety.
Multiple Wildfires Close Highway and Disrupt Communities
Alongside the Nikaia Creek fire, the Izman Creek wildfire expanded rapidly, reaching 25 hectares about 16 kilometres north of the initial blaze, on the Fraser River’s east side. Highway 12, connecting Lillooet and Lytton, was closed due to this second fire, prompting evacuation orders for three properties and alerts for nine others near the highway. Both fires remain out of control and actively spreading.
Community Grapples with Renewed Trauma on Fire’s Anniversary
Local residents and Lytton First Nation members are deeply affected, especially as the current fires coincide with the fourth anniversary of the devastating 2021 wildfire that destroyed 90% of Lytton village and claimed two lives. Tricia Thorpe, Blue Sky Country area director, described the trauma and ongoing anxiety experienced by communities frequently impacted by wildfires in recent years.
Weather Conditions Intensify Fire Risk Across Southern B.C.
Hot, dry weather continues to fuel wildfire risks, with temperatures in southern British Columbia expected to be five to ten degrees above seasonal averages this week. The B.C. Wildfire Service reports an increased chance of thunderstorms and lightning strikes, which are a major cause of fires. Currently, approximately 85% of fires in the province are lightning-induced, with the remainder linked to human activity.
Resources and Support Offered to Evacuated Residents
Authorities advise residents under evacuation orders or alerts to register for emergency support services at ess.gov.bc.ca or by calling the Thompson-Nicola Regional District Emergency Operations Centre. Transportation assistance is also available by contacting local emergency offices. The district is urging preparedness as conditions remain volatile.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts Amid Persistent Wildfire Threats
Four years after the 2021 blaze, rebuilding efforts in Lytton and surrounding First Nations communities continue slowly. While some residents have returned and businesses reopened, the recurrence of wildfires underscores the challenges faced in recovery and adapting to prolonged wildfire seasons intensified by climate conditions.
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