Lytton wildfire estimated at 8,000 hectares; MP says 90% of community destroyed

LYTTON, B.C. — The wildfire that swept through the Village of Lytton is now estimated at 8,000 hectares by the BC Wildfire Service.

The quick moving fire was aided by strong winds on Wednesday night as the Lytton Mayor recounts the fire completely taking over the town in just 15 minutes as people scrambled to evacuate safely.

Evacuees from the fire started arriving in Merritt overnight as the City activated its Emergency Operations Centre and the Emergency Social Support building was opened as a reception point.

Mae Webster, BCEHS Merritt Unit Chief, confirmed that the main drag in Lytton was lost, as was the Hospital and ambulance station. The museum and school were also reported to have been lost in the fire.

Merritt Fire Chief Dave Tomkinson along with Engine 2 and its four-man crew were deployed to Lytton to assist in anyway possible.

As news of the devastation to Lytton continued to filter out, the City increased the lodging available from 72 hours to seven full days. Hotel space in the City filled up fast, however the Civic Centre is also set to be used for group lodging.

The City has also set up the local rodeo grounds as a respite for those who fled with livestock.

As of Thursday morning, approximately 50 Lytton evacuees have registered with ESS in Merritt.

Lytton-area MP Brad Vis has provided an update on the blaze via Facebook;