Lytton First Nation in B.C. has issued a wildfire evacuation order for two of its reserves as the threat of wildfires continues to escalate in the province.
The evacuation order was issued on July 1st for the Kanaka Bar and Boston Bar reserves, located along the Fraser River about 150 kilometers northeast of Vancouver. The order affects approximately 250 residents, who have been advised to leave their homes immediately and head to designated evacuation centers.
According to the Lytton First Nation Chief, Janet Webster, the decision to issue the evacuation order was made in the interest of public safety. “We have been closely monitoring the wildfire situation and have determined that it is no longer safe for our community members to remain in their homes,” she stated.
The evacuation order comes as wildfires continue to ravage through the province, with over 180 active fires currently burning. The extreme heatwave that hit British Columbia last week has only worsened the situation, with temperatures reaching record highs and creating ideal conditions for wildfires to spread.
The Lytton First Nation has been particularly hard hit by the wildfires, with the community being forced to evacuate on June 30th due to a fast-moving fire that destroyed most of the village. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but it is believed to have been sparked by a passing train.
The evacuation order for the Kanaka Bar and Boston Bar reserves is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of community members and to allow emergency responders to focus on containing the wildfires. The Lytton First Nation has also declared a state of emergency and is working closely with the provincial government and other agencies to provide support and resources to those affected by the wildfires.
Residents of the affected reserves are urged to follow the evacuation order and to stay informed through official channels for updates and instructions. The Lytton First Nation is also asking for the public’s cooperation in respecting the evacuation order and to avoid any unnecessary travel to the affected areas.
The wildfires in British Columbia serve as a reminder of the increasing threat of climate change and the need for proactive measures to mitigate its impact. As the situation continues to evolve, the Lytton First Nation and other communities in B.C. are relying on the support and cooperation of all Canadians to overcome this crisis.