Destructive fire in B.C. kills two locals
The fire almost completely destroyed the provincial village of Litten.
The B.C. Fire Service has confirmed that two people have died in the rapidly spreading wildfire that destroyed most of the village of Litton earlier this week.
The service said in a written statement that the investigation is still ongoing, but the preliminary findings are consistent with the description provided by a family member. Jeff Chapman told reporters that he saw the power line fall into the trench where his parents were sheltering from the flames that engulfed their home.
Officials also said some people were still missing, mostly due to the hasty evacuation of the village on Wednesday night. As early as Thursday, it became known that most of the houses and buildings in the village had been destroyed. A local deputy reported that 90% of the village was completely burnt out.
Investigators were only able to get to the village on Saturday — toxic smoke from the fire was the main obstacle that delayed the process. At the moment, the investigation of the incident is in an active mode.
Those looking for their loved ones can contact the Canadian Red Cross for family reunification services at 1-800-863-6582.
