The Saw Creek wildfire, discovered Friday three kilometres south of Lytton, B.C., has forced emergency evacuations and the closure of a 116-kilometre stretch of Highway 1. According to the B.C. Wildfire Service, 130 personnel and nine helicopters are currently battling the blaze, which grew to an estimated six square kilometres by Saturday. The fire is officially classified as human-caused.
Current status of the Saw Creek wildfire
More than 60 properties are under evacuation order, while roughly 170 others remain under evacuation alert, requiring residents to prepare to leave immediately. The Lytton First Nation has also issued evacuation orders for some of its members. The B.C. Wildfire Service reports that structure protection crews are on-site to assist in the defense of local properties. Highway 1 remains closed between Boston Bar and Cache Creek.
Impact on the Lytton community
For many residents, the current situation evokes the trauma of the 2021 wildfire that destroyed most of the village. Judith Urquhart, a local resident who lost her home in the 2021 fire, said the smell of smoke and the sight of the fire triggered immediate, difficult memories. Joe and Katrina Justice, members of the Lytton First Nation, confirmed that homes on Kitzowitz Indian Reserve 20 have already been destroyed by the fire. The community, which had a population of 210 prior to the 2021 blaze, now sees only about 75 residents, as the village recovery remains slow despite $140 million in federal and provincial funding.
Did You Know? The Saw Creek wildfire is occurring nearly five years after the June 30, 2021, wildfire that swept through Lytton just one day after the village recorded a Canadian temperature record of 49.6 C.
Expert Insight: The recurrence of a major fire in a community still in the early stages of long-term recovery creates a compounding crisis. While emergency response protocols have improved, the psychological and economic toll on a population that has yet to see a full restoration of essential services—such as a local grocery store—is significant. The speed at which residents can mobilize, as seen by those checking on neighbors via social media, highlights a resilient but deeply strained community.
What happens next
The progression of the fire will depend on the effectiveness of the 130 personnel and nine helicopters currently working the perimeter. If containment efforts fail to stop the fire’s growth, additional evacuation orders could be issued for those currently on alert. Because the fire is human-caused, investigators may eventually provide further details on its origin, though residents remain focused on immediate safety and property protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cause of the Saw Creek wildfire?
The B.C. Wildfire Service states the fire is human-caused, a designation applied to fires not started by lightning.
How many people are affected by the evacuation orders?
More than 60 properties are under evacuation order, with an additional 170 properties under evacuation alert.
Is Highway 1 open?
No, Highway 1 is closed for approximately 116 kilometres between Boston Bar and Cache Creek due to the fire.
Are you or your loved ones currently affected by the evacuation orders in the Lytton area?
