Just one day after Lytton, B.C broke heat records as the hottest place ever in Canada at 49.6 degrees, wildfires tore through the area destroying over 90% of the community, leaving many terrified and without a home.

Many of Lytton’s residents were evacuated without much warning to gather belongings, warn neighbours or and save their pets. Now may former residents of Lytton are left without a home, clothing or necessities.

While officials determine the scale of destruction left by the wildfire, the search for residents still unaccounted for continues, leaving many British Columbians looking for ways they help.

GOFUNDME

GoFundMe has built a hub with verified GoFundMe campaigns from across British Columbia, allowing people to support those affected by the B.C. wildfires.

You can access this HUB HERE.

CANADIAN RED CROSS

The Canadian Red Cross is another place you can donate to support victims of this devastating wildfire. Donations are being accepted online HERE.

You can also call The Canadian Red Cross at their toll-free family reunification phone line at 1-800-863-6582.

LOCAL TOURISM ASSOCIATIONS

Tourism associations across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley are working together to collect donations for evacuees and fire victims.

The following locations are accepting:

  • Gift certificates for gas, groceries, pharmacies, and other essential services
  • New/unused baby items, such as: bottles, diapers, wipes, etc.
  • Personal electronic devices: (cell phones, chargers, batteries, computers, laptops, etc.)
  • Camping supplies

 

Tourism Chilliwack (PHYSICAL & CASH DONATIONS)
Visitor Centre, 44150 Luckakuck Way, Chilliwack
July 5, 8:30am – 4:30pm

Tourism Abbotsford/Tradex (PHYSICAL & CASH DONATIONS)
Tradex, 1190 Cornell Street, Abbotsford
July 5, 10am – 5pm

Tourism Harrison (CASH DONATIONS ONLY)
Harrison Visitor Centre, 499 Hot Springs Road, Harrison Hot Springs
July 5, 9:30am – 5pm

Agassiz-Harrison Museum (CASH DONATIONS ONLY)
7011 Pioneer Avenue, Agassiz
July 5, 10am – 4pm

Tourism Hope, Cascades & Canyons (PHYSICAL & CASH DONATIONS)
Visitor Centre, 919 Water Avenue, Hope
July 5 – 8, 10am – 5pm

Tourism Mission (CASH DONATIONS ONLY)
Visitor Centre, 34033 Lougheed Highway, Mission
July 5 – 9, 8am – 4:30pm

Tourism Langley (CASH DONATIONS ONLY)
Office, 220-5385 216th Street, Langley
July 5, 9am – 5pm

Donation enquiries can be made to the Hope Visitor Centre at 604-869-2021.

 

THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
A motorist watches from a pullout on the Trans-Canada Highway as a wildfire burns on the side of a mountain in Lytton, B.C., Thursday, July 1, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

 

Evacuation centres have been set up to assist anyone evacuating from a community under threat from a wildfire at the following locations:

Castlegar: Castlegar Community Complex, 2102 6th Ave.
Chilliwack: Chilliwack Senior Secondary, 46363 Yale Rd.
Kelowna: Salvation Army, 1480 Sutherland Ave.
Merritt: Merritt Civic Centre, 1950 Mamette Ave.

Anyone evacuated is being encouraged to register with Emergency Support Services online, even if they have access services to an evacuation centre.

For anyone looking for loved ones, you’re being asked to contact the Canadian Red Cross for family reunification services at 1-800-863-6582.