Lytton, B.C., holds event to mark three years since devastating wildfire

The village of Lytton is hosting an event Sunday to honor those who offered support after a wildfire ravaged the community in 2021.

The fire killed two people, destroyed more than 100 properties and displaced hundreds of residents.

Lytton Mayor and Council plan to meet from noon to 4 p.m. to mark the anniversary and host a dinner.

“The anniversary of the fire is a solemn reminder to both members of the community and the many homes, businesses, municipal buildings and livelihoods lost in the fire. This is also a time for us to recognize our tenacity and resilience and look to the future as we rebuild,” said Mayor Denise O’Connor.

A CPKC firefighting train sits on the tracks above the village of Lytton, B.C., Tuesday, June 25, 2024. Mayor Denise O'Connor provided an update on the rebuilding progress Tuesday, ahead of the third anniversary of the fire that destroyed 90 percent of the community. — A CPKC firefighting train sits on the tracks above the village of Lytton, B.C., Tuesday, June 25, 2024. Mayor Denise O’Connor provided an update on the rebuilding progress Tuesday, ahead of the third anniversary of the fire that destroyed 90 percent of the community. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Homes and businesses covered in debris that were destroyed by the 2021 wildfire are seen in this aerial photo in Lytton, British Columbia, June 15, 2022. — A CPKC firefighting train sits on the tracks above the village of Lytton, B.C., Tuesday, June 25, 2024. Mayor Denise O’Connor provided an update on the rebuilding progress Tuesday, ahead of the third anniversary of the fire that destroyed 90 percent of the community. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

“This year we will thank the fire departments, organizations, local governments, First Nations and more than 70 people who offered support and made donations during and after the fire.

Earlier this week, O’Connor said significant progress has been made in rebuilding in recent months, with the village issuing permits for 12 homes and two commercial buildings.

However, she says the village still faces significant challenges in its attempt to rebuild.

“We need continued support and advocacy from regional, provincial and federal governments and their partners to help streamline reconstruction processes and costs, particularly as they relate to archaeology,” she said .

In the days leading up to the fire, Lytton set several Canadian temperature records, including reaching 49.6°C the day before the village burned.

With files from Michael Williams.