Lytton, B.C. wildfire forces evacuations and burns 700 hectares

A wildfire ignited near Lytton, British Columbia on June 19, 2026. The BC Wildfire Service initially reported a 10‑hectare blaze that rapidly expanded to about 600 ha by June 20 and 704 ha by June 21. The fire is believed to be human‑caused and remains out of control.

Authorities declared a state of local emergency for the Village of Lytton and the surrounding “Blue Sky Country” area. Evacuation orders affect roughly 47 properties in the village and alerts cover about 168‑230 additional properties in the region and on Lytton First Nation lands. A boil‑water notice has been issued for the community. Highway 1 between Boston Bar and Cornwall Road (about 115 km) has been closed, with Highway 5 and Highway 97C offered as detours.

Response efforts involve 130‑135 BC Wildfire Service firefighters, nine helicopters and dozens of structure‑protection crews, supported by fire departments from nearby towns. Cooler night temperatures and light winds helped reduce activity overnight, but rising daytime temperatures and low humidity could increase fire behaviour. Residents report some homes damaged or lost, and personal stories highlight the community’s resilience compared with the devastating 2021 fire.

The fire continues to threaten homes, infrastructure and the local environment, and emergency services are maintaining perimeter control and establishing fire‑breaks.