Residents of 60 properties remain under evacuation orders Saturday as crews battle an out-of-control wildfire near Lytton, B.C. The Saw Creek wildfire, which was discovered Friday approximately three kilometres south of the village, has expanded to an estimated six square kilometres, prompting the closure of a 116-kilometre stretch of Highway 1 between Boston Bar and Cache Creek, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) and local officials.
Current Status of the Saw Creek Wildfire
As of Saturday morning, the BCWS reported the fire is exhibiting Rank 2 and Rank 3 behavior, characterized by visible open flame and occasional tree candling. The increase in the fire’s size from two to six square kilometres overnight is attributed to both actual fire growth and improved mapping, says BCWS information officer Shae Stearns. Approximately 130 personnel, supported by nine helicopters and structure protection crews, are currently working to contain the blaze.
Evacuations and Community Impact
Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) area director Tricia Thorpe confirmed that two evacuation orders were issued late Friday for the village and the surrounding electoral area. While those properties are located above the highway, the order reflects the proximity of the fire, which is believed to be human-caused. TNRD chief administrative officer Scott Hildebrand stated that evacuees are being directed to an emergency support services centre in Kamloops, noting that all residents are currently safe.
Did You Know? The Saw Creek fire occurs just days before the five-year anniversary of the June 30, 2021, wildfire that destroyed most of Lytton and claimed two lives, a disaster that followed the village recording a Canadian temperature record of 49.6 C.
Expert Insight
Expert Insight: The recurrence of a significant wildfire in Lytton highlights the extreme vulnerability of the region, where dry, hot conditions consistently pose a high risk to a community still in the early stages of a slow recovery. With only a few dozen of the original 210 residents’ homes rebuilt since 2021, the psychological and economic toll of another evacuation is profound, as the village remains highly sensitive to any disruption in its fragile reconstruction efforts.
What May Happen Next
Fire activity could increase if weather conditions worsen, as the area remains susceptible to ignition due to persistent hot and dry conditions. While temperatures are expected to be slightly cooler, BCWS officials warn that direct sunlight and potential wind increases may drive further fire growth. Residents under evacuation alerts should remain prepared to leave immediately, as the situation remains fluid until containment lines are established.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Saw Creek wildfire?
The BCWS classifies the fire as human-caused, a designation used for any wildfire not ignited by lightning.
How many people are affected by power outages?
According to B.C. Hydro, there are two outages in the area affecting 144 customers as of Saturday morning.
Is the fire currently threatening the village?
Tricia Thorpe reported that as of mid-day Saturday, the fire had not crossed Lytton Creek or the Fraser River, though evacuation orders and alerts remain in place for the village and surrounding properties.
How can those currently in the path of the fire best prepare their properties for potential evacuations?
