A state of emergency is lifted in Lytton, BC, two years after the town was destroyed by fire

Nearly two years after a wildfire swept through Lytton, BC, residents may soon be able to return to their properties.

Council for the Village of Lytton voted to allow the local state of emergency ends June 19.

The emergency was declared June 30, 2021, after BC’s sweltering heat dome sparked a wildfire that swept through the village, killing two people and burning homes, businesses, the ambulance station, police detachment, and village office.

Lytton Mayor Denise O’Connor says those planning to return could start rebuilding in a few months, but they still don’t know how many residents will return.

Temporary facilities, including a health center and village hall, are being established after reconstruction delays associated with archaeological work and concerns about toxic soil left behind by the fire.

Prime Minister David Eby says the province has put tens of millions of dollars into the project so far and more will likely be needed, but he is very pleased to hear that the emergency order is cancelled.

“There are now people in Lytton who are able to start rebuilding, that the archaeological work has been done, the site has been cleaned up and basic services are in place in the village.”

O’Connor says some property owners may begin construction soon.

“Those people who have that and are ready to start rebuilding, we should see that within the next few months, I would think, I would hope.”

Figures from Statistics Canada show Lytton had a population of 210 before the 2021 fire.

The village says in a statement that lifting the emergency If an order is placed next week, private property owners will be given access to their sites so they can begin their rebuilding plans.