Wildfire guts town in Canada, more than 1,000 people evacuated

More than 1,000 people in and around Lytton, in central British Columbia, were evacuated late on Wednesday after the fast-moving fire engulfed the community, catching residents by surprise.

Bangalore: A forest fire that began after three days of record-breaking temperatures has destroyed most of the small western Canadian town of Lytton, as government officials issued fresh evacuation orders on Thursday as more wildfires tore through the province. More than 1,000 people in and around Lytton, in central British Columbia, were evacuated late on Wednesday after the fast-moving fire engulfed the community, catching residents by surprise. The cause of the fire was being investigated, B.C Premier John Horgan told reporters. A couple in their 60s died due to the fire, Post Media reported, quoting their son. Reuters could not independently verify the deaths. B.C. officials told the briefing that some residents were unaccounted for, and said "most homes and structures" in Lytton have been lost.