Particle.news
Download on the App Store
12 ARTICLES
·
2mo ago

Out‑of‑Control Saw Creek Wildfire Threatens Lytton, Forcing Evacuations and Highway 1 Closure

Officials say the blaze is suspected to be human-caused and warn hotter, drier weather could drive renewed growth that would endanger homes and key transport routes.

The Saw Creek wildfire is seen in this handout photo, south of Lytton, B.C., on Friday, June 19, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - BC Wildfire Service (Mandatory Credit)
Saw Creek fire near Lytton, B.C. showing the south flank of fire on Saturday June 20, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout-BC Wildfire Service (Mandatory Credit)
The Saw Creek wildfire seen near Lytton B.C. on June 20, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - BC Wildfire Service (Mandatory Credit)
An aerial view of the Saw Creek wildfire from the south near Lytton, B.C., on June 20, 2026.

Overview

  • The Saw Creek fire was first spotted about three kilometres south of Lytton on Friday and the BC Wildfire Service has classified it as out of control, a label meaning it is expected to spread beyond current containment objectives.
  • Firefighters reported the blaze grew overnight to roughly seven square kilometres and showed active surface and intermittent crown behaviour that prompted structure protection work.
  • Evacuation orders affect about 47–63 properties and roughly 168–170 additional addresses are under evacuation alert, putting more than 230 properties at risk and forcing many residents to leave or prepare to go.
  • About 130–135 firefighters, multiple helicopters and dedicated structure‑protection teams are engaged, and Highway 1 remains closed for more than 115 kilometres between Boston Bar and parts of Cache Creek or Spences Bridge, disrupting travel and access.
  • The regional district declared a state of emergency and investigators say the fire is suspected to be human‑caused; the incident re‑triggers trauma and practical strains for a village still rebuilding from a deadly 2021 wildfire and could deepen recovery and transport challenges if activity increases.