After setting all-time Canadian heat records, a devastating wildfire has destroyed 90 per cent of the village of Lytton, B.C. USW District 3 has received reports from USW Local 7619 that multiple homes of Steelworkers have been lost in the wildfire.
The wildfire quickly tore through the village and forced the entire community of approximately 250 people to evacuate Wednesday evening without warning. It is suspected the fire may have been caused by a passing train.
Additional reports indicate that Telus cellular towers have suffered extensive damage and cell service is down in the area.
Many evacuated Steelworkers are currently at evacuation centres in Merritt.
Our thoughts, hopes and prayers go out to all those impacted by this devastating wildfire and we will continue to monitor the situation.
With 100 new wildfires in British Columbia this week, we thank all those who are on the frontlines fighting the fires across the province.
In solidarity,
Stephen Hunt
USW District 3 Director
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