Burnaby firefighters have been deployed to Lytton, B.C. to help in the aftermath of a devastating wildfire that has destroyed most of the Fraser Canyon town.
The fire department got a call from the B.C. Wildfire Service at about 8:30 p.m. Wednesday requesting support, according to deputy fire Chief Dave Samson.
An engine and six firefighters were on the road by 1 a.m., he said.
Fire Chief Chris Bowcock and an aide have also gone north to assist the Office of the Fire Commissioner, according to Samson.
The Burnaby crew set up camp at Spences Bridge about 35 kilometres north of Lytton, he said.
The plan was for them to head into Lytton and help protect structures that are still standing and put out hot spots.
“Some structures, what’s left of them, could still be smoldering” Samson said.
Firefighters will also be searching buildings, he said.
The fire broke out in the late afternoon after three days of record heat.
By about 6 p.m., Lytton Mayor Jan Polderman had ordered the evacuation of the entire community.
At a news conference Thursday afternoon, Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth confirmed most homes and structures, including the ambulance station and RCMP detachment, in Lytton had been destroyed and there were still people unaccounted for.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Follow Cornelia Naylor on Twitter @CorNaylor
Email cnaylor@burnabynow.com
