Lytton First Nation issues evacuation order due to Cantilever Bar fire

LYTTON. — The Lytton First Nation has issued an evacuation order for two of its reserves due to the Cantilever Bar wildfire.

The order, which was issued Thursday (July 31) morning covers the 26 Skwayaynope and 26A Lytton reserves on the westside of the Fraser River due to immediate danger to life and safety.

People in the affected area are being told to head north to Lytton along South Spencer Road via the Lytton ferry or the winch spur bridge. A reception centre has been set up at the Lytton First Nation Battlefield Community Hall at 1756 Battlefield Road.

The Cantilever Bar fire is estimated to be 650 hectares in size, up from the previous estimate of 460 hectares. The BC Wildfire Service says the increase in size comes as crews were able to better map the perimeter once the smoke cleared.

An evacuation alert remains in effect for Lytton First Nation reserves Nohomeen 23, Nickeyeah 25, Papyum 27, Papyum 27A, Lytton 27B and Lytton 31 23 reserves.

Evacuation alerts also remain in effect for the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, the Skuppah First Nation and Siska First Nation.