The Lytton First Nation has ordered residents on some of its reserves to evacuate as an out-of-control wildfire continues to rage south of the community.
Effective 8 a.m., the First Nation ordered residents of the Lytton 26A and Skwayaynope 26 reserves to evacuate their properties “due to immediate danger to life and safety.”
Evacuation alerts issued by the Lytton First Nation, Siska Indian Band, Skuppah Indian Band and Thompson-Nicola Regional District also remain in effect.
All of the alerts and orders refer to properties on the west side of the Fraser River.
The Cantilever Bar wildfire is burning about 10 kilometres south of Lytton. It was first discovered on Monday and has since grown to 1,040 hectares in size.
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The BC Wildfire Service said there has been some growth, but the larger size estimate is due in part to clearer skies that allowed for better mapping.
Lytton Mayor Denise O’Connor said the fire has brought back traumatic memories of the 2021 blaze that virtually razed the community to the ground.
“At night-time we can see the flames, we can see the smoke, which is an impact for people here regarding their the anxiety it brings and the PTSD because of the experience of 2021,” she said.
“But as far as the impact of the flames and the fire itself, we are not under any threat.”
The BC Wildfire Service has deployed 51 firefighters, as well as structure protection personnel and four helicopters.
Fire officials say they are expecting another hot day in the region, with temperatures verging on 40 C and low humidity, but are anticipating a cooling trend in the coming days.
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