Lytton, B.C. wildfire investigators say missing people found safe

LYTTON (NEWS 1130) – Investigators in what is left of Lytton say more than 15 people reported missing so far have been found safe.

Mounties say they are taking a close look at a parking lot and park area at the end of River Drive, towards the south end of Lytton.

“This area provides access to a foot and rail bridge that crosses the Fraser River. The investigation is looking at all movements and actions of any individuals, vehicle traffic and a southbound freight train that were all in the area around 4:30 p.m.,” reads a written update from the RCMP.

RCMP say investigators have already done a thorough search of two other areas: “One was a 1 km radius area near Lytton and the other was a 2 km radius area near Boston Bar. Physical and digital forensic evidence has been collected with the assistance of the BC Wildfire Service and the RCMP Forensic Search and Evidence Recovery Team. Several witnesses have also been interviewed.”

Since flames tore through the village on June 30, destroying 90 per cent of Lytton, according to the local MP, numerous agencies have been working to pinpoint how it started. There have been witness claims it may have been sparked by a train.

Police say 15+ people reported missing since a wildfire tore through #LyttonBC on June 30th have been found safe.

The confirmed death toll remains 2 and anyone still searching for a loved one is asked to contact the RCMP.#BCWildfire @BCRCMP @NEWS1130

— Marcella Bernardo (@MBernardoNews) July 12, 2021

At this point, there are no other confirmed deaths. The BC Coroners Service is continuing to investigate the loss of two lives.

“The BC RCMP can also confirm that we have followed up on more than 15 possible missing person reports over the past 11 days, and all have been resolved,” the written update reads, adding those people have been found safe.

However, Mounties note there could still be someone unaccounted for. If you still haven’t been able to find a loved one who was in the Lytton area at the time of the wildfire, you’re asked to call your local RCMP detachment.

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Investigators are trying to determine where and how the fire started, as well as whether anything criminal may have taken place.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has also sent an investigator who is looking into whether the fire may have started due to a freight train.

Related articles:

• Determined Lytton wildfire survivor rescues pets from remains of burned down home

• Lytton residents hope community can rebuild following devastating wildfire

• Delta resident who owned home in Lytton says wildfire has left the place ‘flat’

If you have any information or evidence related to the wildfire or were a witness to this incident and have not already spoken with police, you’re asked to call the BC RCMP Tip line at 1-877-987-8477.