Home destroyed in wildfire near Lytton, B.C.

Evacuation orders and alerts in and around Lytton, B.C., are bringing up painful memories for residents who rebuilt after losing their homes in 2021.

One home was destroyed in the wildfire currently burning out of control near Lytton, B.C., days from the fifth anniversary of the blaze that destroyed the village and claimed two lives in 2021.

Tricia Thorpe, director of Electoral Area I, confirmed to CTV News that a home was lost in the Thompson Regional District.

It is unclear how many other structures were damaged or destroyed in the fire, as crews haven’t been able to assess yet.

The Saw Creek wildfire had burned approximately 704 hectares as of B.C. Wildfire Service’s latest update. The agency said Monday that fire activity decreased thanks to cooler temperatures and lighter winds.

Several homes were ordered to evacuate after the blaze was discovered Friday. By Sunday, the order remained in place for three properties in the Village of Lytton and 12 in the regional district. Another 214 properties are under an evacuation alert, meaning residents must be ready to leave on short notice.

The BCWS says crews are prioritizing defending structures in the fire area and are securing perimeters around communities near the blaze. There are 150 firefighters, 10 helicopters, five pieces of heavy equipment and 53 structure protection personnel assigned to the incident.

Highway 1 through the area remains closed in both directions.