Ashes Fall on Lytton as Wildfire Sparks Renewed Fear
So here’s what’s happening in Lytton, B.C. — and it’s got a lot of people really concerned. A wildfire, known as the Cantilever Bar fire, has been burning out of control just south of the community, and things are getting tense. As of July 29th, it had already grown to about 460 hectares, and it’s suspected to have been caused by human activity. The fire was first discovered just a day earlier, on July 28th, but it’s been growing rapidly — especially as crews got a better look once the smoke cleared.
What’s especially troubling is the location. This fire is burning up the west side of the Fraser River, only about 10 kilometres from Lytton — a place that knows wildfire devastation all too well. Back in 2021, Lytton was nearly wiped off the map when the Lytton Creek fire tore through, destroying 90% of downtown and claiming two lives. That memory is still fresh, and understandably, it’s making this situation feel even more urgent.
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Evacuation alerts have already been issued by both the Thompson-Nicola Regional District and the Lytton First Nation for multiple properties and reserves near the fire. At the moment, no structures are said to be directly in its path, but the threat remains serious.
The terrain is steep and rugged, which makes firefighting extra difficult. Fire tends to race uphill, and this area — with its heat-trapping valleys and flanking mountains — creates a perfect storm for fast-moving flames. In fact, BC Wildfire Service couldn’t even use air tankers on the first night due to the terrain, but they quickly shifted gears and brought in helicopters, including some equipped with night vision, to fight the fire from above through the night.
Right now, around 45 firefighters are on the ground, along with structure protection teams who are setting up sprinklers and fire guards on the north and south flanks. Three helicopters are actively helping with water drops and gear movement. The fire itself is showing rank 2 and 3 behaviour — that means surface-level burning with visible flames and moderate spread, plus some tree torching here and there. It’s not explosive, but it’s definitely dangerous.
Hot weather is adding to the challenge, with temperatures in Lytton expected to hit the high 30s over the next few days. That kind of heat can make fires much harder to control. Still, officials say they’re confident in the resources they’ve got in place and believe they can hold the line, especially as longer nights and slightly cooler temperatures start to help.
But the fear in the community is very real. Seeing ashes fall again, in a place already so deeply scarred by wildfire, brings back a lot of trauma. Everyone’s hoping history won’t repeat itself — and that this fire can be held in check before it grows even more dangerous.
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