Wildfire forces evacuations, emergency declared in Lytton

A new wildfire is threatening the village of Lytton, British Columbia, forcing evacuations and reviving painful memories for a community still rebuilding from a catastrophic blaze five years ago. The Thompson-Nicola Regional District declared a state of local emergency on Friday, June 19, 2026, and issued evacuation orders for 47 properties east of Highway 1 within the village. An additional 168 addresses are under evacuation alert.

The Saw Creek wildfire, discovered about three kilometres south of Lytton, is burning out of control. As of Saturday, June 20, the fire was estimated to be between two and six square kilometres in size. The BC Wildfire Service says the blaze, which is suspected to be human-caused, has forced the closure of Highway 1 for 116 kilometres between Boston Bar and Cache Creek. Approximately 130 firefighters, nine helicopters, and structure protection crews are battling the flames, with aerial support also deployed.

For residents like Judith Urquhart, who rebuilt her home after the 2021 disaster, the threat is a grim reminder. She described having emergency plans ready and a list of critical items to take if ordered to leave. Other residents, such as...