Lytton, July 29, 2025 – The Europe Today: A rapidly growing wildfire approximately 10 kilometres south of Lytton, British Columbia, prompted an evacuation alert for five properties in the Fraser Canyon on Monday night, as soaring temperatures and dry conditions heighten the wildfire risk across the province.
The Cantilever Bar wildfire, discovered late Monday afternoon on the west side of the Fraser River, quickly expanded to 150 hectares by 10 p.m. PT. The blaze, which is visible from the Trans-Canada Highway, is suspected to be human-caused.
In response, the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) deployed three helicopters and three ground attack crews to the scene in an effort to slow the fire’s spread. At around 9:30 p.m. PT, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) issued an evacuation alert for five properties along Spencer Road South, advising residents to prepare for immediate evacuation if necessary.
The fire broke out on the same day that Environment Canada issued a heat warning for the Fraser Canyon region, including Lytton. Temperatures are forecast to reach between 35°C and 37°C from Tuesday through Thursday, further complicating firefighting efforts.
According to a provincial situation report from BCWS, above-seasonal temperatures are expected to persist across much of British Columbia this week, particularly in the southern third of the province. The report also warns of a “significant chance of dry lightning” across nearly all regions in the days ahead.
“This combination of rising temperatures, fuel drying, and dry lightning increases the probability of new wildfires starting,” the BCWS noted.
Despite the fire danger, the report indicated that winds are forecast to remain light throughout the province, a factor that may help mitigate the spread of flames.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging residents in affected areas to stay alert and adhere to official guidance as conditions evolve.
