Renewed Threat to Lytton First Nation
A devastating wildfire burning out of control near Lytton, British Columbia, has once again brought danger to the Lytton First Nation, a community still recovering from the catastrophic fire of 2021. On July 31, the First Nation issued an urgent evacuation order for two of its reserves, Lytton 26A and Skwayaynope 26, located on the west side of the Fraser River, due to the immediate threat posed by the blaze approximately 10 kilometers south of the Village of Lytton. The order mandates residents to leave immediately and head to a designated reception center for safety.
According to officials, only two households are situated on these sparsely populated reserves. One is unoccupied, while the other belongs to a member of the First Nation's firefighting team, who is currently on the front lines battling the inferno. The emotional toll of this evacuation is significant for a community that lost much to flames just four years ago, reigniting anxiety among residents.
Community and Regional Response
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has declared a state of local emergency for the Blue Sky Country region due to the encroaching wildfire, amplifying efforts to protect lives and property. The BC Wildfire Service reports that over 35,000 lightning strikes since Wednesday have sparked 65 new wildfires across the province, exacerbating the already volatile situation near Lytton. Emergency services are working closely with local authorities and the Lytton Fire Brigade to manage the crisis.
Posts found on X reflect a shared concern for the safety of the Lytton First Nation families, with many expressing support and prayers for those affected. The community's resilience is being tested once again as they face displacement, but officials are prioritizing safety and coordination to ensure all residents are accounted for during this critical time.
Ongoing Challenges and Future Concerns
The Cantilever Bar wildfire has also triggered evacuation alerts for five properties in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District and additional homes on nearby First Nations lands, signaling the widespread impact of this fire. Lytton's mayor has noted that, as of August 2, the fire appears to be moving away from the town itself, offering a slight reprieve, though the situation remains dynamic and unpredictable.
The BC Wildfire Service has warned that the province is 'not out of the woods yet,' emphasizing the very active and aggressive fire behavior driven by hot, dry, and windy conditions. As firefighting efforts continue, the focus remains on protecting vulnerable communities like Lytton First Nation, which has already endured so much. The road to recovery will be long, but the immediate priority is ensuring the safety of all residents in the face of this unrelenting natural disaster.