British Columbia’s wildfire service says growth of a wildfire burning near Lytton has been away from communities, and that weather has been helping in the fight against the blaze.

Fire information officer Paula Walbauer said Sunday that lighter winds helped crews get out and directly attack both the north and south flanks of the Saw Creek fire burning along Highway 1, south of the village.

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The latest estimate puts the size of the out-of-control fire at about seven square kilometres, up slightly from Saturday.

“We’re seeing growth up slope, so that would be away from the highway, away from communities,” Walbauer said.

An update posted online Sunday by the BC Wildfire Service said crews overnight prioritized the protection and defence of structures.

Walbauer said temperatures are expected to get warmer over the next few days.

“Temperatures today are still slightly lower. I think in the next few days we’re going to see temperatures rise. But for today it’s a time for good firefighting,” she said.

Environment Canada listed a high of 30 degrees in Lytton on Sunday and is forecasting highs between 33 and 35 over the next three days.

The wildfire has triggered evacuation orders and alerts in the area, affecting more than 230 properties, while also shutting down a more than 115-kilometre stretch of Highway 1.

The Lytton First Nation has also issued an evacuation order for some of its residents.

As of Sunday, 6:50 p.m., Emergency Info BC says that authorities in Lytton have downgraded the evacuation order to an evacuation alert.

The downgrade applies to 47 properties.

“An Evacuation Order remains in effect for approximately 15 properties,” Emergency Info BC said.

The wildfire broke out on Friday, near the fifth anniversary of the June 30, 2021, inferno that razed the town and claimed two lives.

The regional district has declared a state of emergency in Lytton and Blue Sky Country, as 135 firefighters, nine helicopters and structure protection crews work to contain the flames.


As of Sunday afternoon, there were 16 active wildfires in the province, with two listed as out-of-control.