Six residences in the First Nation of Lytton, British Columbia, were engulfed in flames on Friday, since the wildfire declared the day before continued to spread near this municipality which was devastated for the same reason it over a year ago.
The number of structures destroyed could be as high as nine, according to First Nation Deputy Chief John Haugen.
“It’s devastating and we have to be careful how we approach them and confirm these losses,” he said at a press briefing on Friday.
“It was really discouraging. Sometimes there’s no power here and we run out of water on the east side of the Fraser River, and without the ferry and the service it’s harder to get resources to the west side to help with fire,” he added.
The wildfire spread rapidly, growing from 200 to 1,500 hectares in 24 hours, according to the British Columbia wildfire service, BC Wildfire Service.
However, the extent of the fire was contained during the night from Friday to Saturday. “Accessibility and terrain continue to be challenges for on-site personnel and resources,” the BC Wildfire Service said.
Nearly 14 people patrolled last night to monitor hot spots and to test structure protection sprinklers.
An additional team of 21 was dispatched on Saturday morning, while 15 structural protection specialists arrived in the afternoon. Helicopters and other aerial resources are also available as needed.
The situation therefore remains under control and models suggest that neighboring communities would not be affected if the fire escalates, according to Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth.
No injuries have been reported since the start of the fire.
“My thoughts are with the people of the Lytton area. It is unimaginable to face a second wildfire a year after the devastation they faced,” Premier John Horgan said on Twitter on Friday.
As of Saturday, 18 wildfires were active in British Columbia.
