Cooler Temperatures Aid Firefighters Battling Wildfire Near Lytton, B.C.

Firefighters are working to contain a wildfire burning near Lytton, British Columbia, where cooler overnight temperatures and light winds provided some relief. However, officials warn that fire activity could intensify throughout Sunday as temperatures rise and humidity drops.

Crews focused on protecting structures near the Saw Creek wildfire, located south of Lytton. Aircraft and ground teams continue efforts to secure the perimeter around affected communities. The BC Wildfire Service estimates the out-of-control fire spans approximately seven square kilometers, a slight increase from the previous day.

Evacuation orders and alerts have been issued for more than 230 properties in the region. Additionally, a significant stretch of Highway 1, over 115 kilometers long, has been shut down due to the fire. The Lytton First Nation has also implemented an evacuation order for some of its residents.

The wildfire ignited on Friday, occurring near the fifth anniversary of the June 30, 2021, inferno that devastated Lytton, claiming two lives. The regional district has declared a state of emergency for Lytton and Blue Sky County as 135 firefighters, supported by nine helicopters and structure protection crews, battle the flames. As of Sunday morning, 18 wildfires were active in the province, with two classified as out-of-control.