Lytton, B.C., holds event to mark three years since destructive fire
Posted June 30, 2024 11:43 am.
The Village of Lytton is holding an event Sunday to recognize those who offered support after a wildfire tore through the community in 2021.
The fire killed two people, destroyed more than 100 properties, and displaced hundreds of residents.
Lytton’s mayor and council plan to gather from noon to 4 p.m. to mark the anniversary and host a dinner.
“The anniversary of the fire is a solemn reminder of the two community members and many homes, businesses, municipal buildings, and livelihoods lost during the fire. It is also a time for us to recognize our tenacity and resilience and to look to the future as we rebuild,” said Mayor Denise O’Connor.
“This year we will be giving thanks to the fire departments, organizations, local governments, First Nations, and more than 70 individuals who offered their support and provided donations during and following the fire.”
Earlier this week, O’Connor said there has been significant progress in rebuilding in recent months, with the village issuing permits for 12 homes and two commercial buildings.
However, she says the village is still facing substantial challenges while trying to rebuild.
“We need the continued support and advocacy of regional, provincial, and federal governments and partners to help streamline processes and costs for rebuilding, particularly when it comes to archeology,” she said.
In the days leading up to the fire, Lytton set multiple Canadian temperature records, including reaching 49.6 C the day before the village burnt down.
With files from Michael Williams.
