The Lytton First Nation has issued evacuation orders for a number of residents due to the Stein Mountain wildfire.

Community members in the Lytton IRs 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, and 33, Nickelpalm IR 4, as well as Seah IR 5, Lytton 5A, Nesikep IR 6 and 6A were told to leave on Monday evening due to danger to life and safety.

Evacuees are being told head north to Lillooet on the Westside/North Spencer Road and to gather at the Lillooet Friendship Centre.

The City of Merritt also activated its Emergency Support Services to assist evacuees of the Lytton First Nation. Evacuees can head to the Merritt Civic Centre at 1950 Mamette Avenue, according to a social media post.

Lytton First Nation members in the Yawaucht 11, Tsaukan 12, Cameron Bar 13, Lytton 13A reserves were ordered out on Aug. 4. Those in Lytton IR9A and Nikah IR10 were ordered out on Aug. 17, while those in Stryein IR9 were put on alert on Aug. 17.

The TNRD also ordered evacuations of two properties on Aug. 4 and put one other on alert on Aug. 23.

The BC Wildfire Service says there was increased fire behaviour reported on the northern flank on Monday night, driven by southerly winds. It caused the 18-square kilometre to move over four kilometres up the Fraser Canyon. Highway 12, which connects Lytton and Lillooet remains open, as the fire remains on the western shores of the Fraser River.

“Structure protection crews were actively protecting structure at the time, while 18 personnel remained on site with one water tender overnight,” the BC Wildfire Service said in a Tuesday morning post.

“Structure protection will be ongoing within the Evacuation Order and Alert area in Lytton First Nation.”

This lightning-caused Stein Mountain fire has been burning since July 12. It flared up around the same time the nearby Ponderosa Creek wildfire was first discovered.