Haunting images show devastation in wake of fire that destroyed B.C. village
VANCOUVER -
A B.C. village made headlines late last month for recording the hottest-ever temperatures in the entire country three days in a row.
On the fourth day, the population-250 community burned to the ground.
On June 30, residents had just minutes to grab essential items and leave their homes, which they would never again see in tact.
The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, though the Transportation Safety Board of Canada is investigating a possible train fire in the village.
Two people are known to have died. Several were injured.
In the days that followed, some residents were unaccounted for, as the evacuation order came so quickly that people scattered across B.C.'s Interior.
Not allowed to return home for safety reasons, those who'd lost everything may have seen photos and video on social media, or heard statements from the mayor that the majority of their village had been leveled by the fire.
It was not until July 9, nine days after the fire, that they were able to see the damage in person, on a bus tour through what remained of the village.
A media tour followed that bus. Images from The Canadian Press photojournalist Darryl Dyck show what those residents saw of what had been their home.
Damaged structures are seen in Lytton, B.C., on Friday, July 9, 2021, after a fire destroyed most of the village on June 30. (Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS)
Damaged structures are seen in Lytton, B.C., on Friday, July 9, 2021, after a fire destroyed most of the village on June 30. (Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS)
Damaged structures are seen in Lytton, B.C., on Friday, July 9, 2021, after a fire destroyed most of the village on June 30. (Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS)
Damaged structures are seen in Lytton, B.C., on Friday, July 9, 2021, after a fire destroyed most of the village on June 30. (Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS)
Damaged structures are seen in Lytton, B.C., on Friday, July 9, 2021, after a fire destroyed most of the village on June 30. (Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS)
Damaged structures are seen in Lytton, B.C., on Friday, July 9, 2021, after a fire destroyed most of the village on June 30. (Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS)
Damaged structures are seen in Lytton, B.C., on Friday, July 9, 2021, after a fire destroyed most of the village on June 30. (Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS)
Damaged structures are seen in Lytton, B.C., on Friday, July 9, 2021, after a fire destroyed most of the village on June 30. (Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS)
Damaged structures are seen in Lytton, B.C., on Friday, July 9, 2021, after a fire destroyed most of the village on June 30. (Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS)
Damaged structures are seen in Lytton, B.C., on Friday, July 9, 2021, after a fire destroyed most of the village on June 30. (Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS)
Damaged structures are seen in Lytton, B.C., on Friday, July 9, 2021, after a fire destroyed most of the village on June 30. (Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS)
Damaged structures are seen in Lytton, B.C., on Friday, July 9, 2021, after a fire destroyed most of the village on June 30. (Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS)
Damaged structures are seen in Lytton, B.C., on Friday, July 9, 2021, after a fire destroyed most of the village on June 30. (Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS)
Damaged structures are seen in Lytton, B.C., on Friday, July 9, 2021, after a fire destroyed most of the village on June 30. (Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS)
Damaged structures are seen in Lytton, B.C., on Friday, July 9, 2021, after a fire destroyed most of the village on June 30. (Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS)
Damaged structures are seen in Lytton, B.C., on Friday, July 9, 2021, after a fire destroyed most of the village on June 30. (Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
W5 Investigates
W5 Investigates 'It's a bad look': Calls grow to restrict high-tech car theft devices in wake of W5 investigation
There are new calls to crack down on the sale of high-tech devices that can be used to clone key fobs and steal cars, in the wake of a W5 investigation that found the devices are falling into the hands of thieves.
Cold case that puzzled Toronto-area police for nearly half a century cracked. Here's how they did it
For nearly 45 years, the identity of the human remains found along a rural road north of Toronto remained a mystery. It was on July 16, 1980, when a Markham, Ont. resident made the discovery near a wooded area on Eleventh Concession, between 14th and Steeles avenues. Unbeknownst to them, the remains belonged to William Joseph Pennell, a convict who had escaped a Kingston prison a month earlier.
Jake Paul beats 58-year-old Mike Tyson as the hits don't match the hype
The boos from a crowd wanting more action were growing again when Jake Paul dropped his gloves before the final bell, and bowed toward 58-year-old Mike Tyson.
'Keep that legacy going': Siblings revive one of Alberta's oldest general stores
It's a brisk, bright autumn morning when Julie-Ann McNeilly comes barrelling down a dirt road, steps out of her van and dives deep into the history of Johnny's Store.
'We are not Disneyland': Outrage in Rome over Airbnb 'gladiator' battles at the Colosseum
The ancient Colosseum in Rome has witnessed some historic battles, with toga-clad crowds once packing the gigantic venue to watch gladiators slug it out against opponents including lions and baboons.
Former soldier 'Canadian Dave' taken by the Taliban: sources
David Lavery, a former Canadian Forces soldier who helped approximately 100 people flee Afghanistan during the fall of Kabul, has been 'picked up' by the Taliban this week, according to multiple sources who spoke to CTV National News on the condition of anonymity.
String of three murders in Nova Scotia raises alarm about intimate partner violence
Groups working to help victims of domestic violence in Nova Scotia say a recent string of murders of women provides just a glimpse of the extent of intimate partner violence in the province, and they say more action is needed to protect victims.
Former ambassador says Canada has become 'laggard,' 'irrelevant' on defence spending
Former Canadian ambassador to the U.S. Derek Burney is calling Canada a 'laggard,' and says the country needs to do 'major work' on its defence spending if it wants to be taken seriously on other issues with the United States.
Video shows shotgun pointed at staff during pawn shop robbery
A Winnipeg pawn shop owner is speaking out after a violent robbery at his McPhillips Street location.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Vancouver Island
-
WestJet passengers can submit claims now in $12.5M class-action case over baggage fees
Some travellers who checked baggage on certain WestJet flights between 2014 and 2019 may now claim their share of a class-action settlement approved by the British Columbia Supreme Court last month and valued at $12.5 million.
-
Insurance bureau estimates $110 million in damages from October storms in B.C.
Intense flooding that hammered British Columbia's coast last month has led to more than $110 million in insured damage claims.
-
Nanaimo nurse suspended for 'unauthorized access of patient records,' college says
A Nanaimo nurse has agreed to a seven-day suspension for accessing patient records without authorization.
Kelowna
-
Police cleared of fault in fatal 2023 crash in B.C.'s Interior
British Columbia's independent police watchdog has cleared officers of wrongdoing in a crash where three people were killed south of Kamloops in July of last year.
-
B.C. woman sentenced for stealing $14K in funds raised for schoolkids
A B.C. woman who stole more than $14,000 in volunteer-raised funds that were supposed to be spent on school supplies and programs – including hot meals for vulnerable kids – won't spend any time in jail.
-
B.C. emergency room closed for 3rd time in 9 days
The emergency department at South Okanagan General Hospital in Oliver, B.C., will be closed for 31 hours this weekend, the second such closure in a week and the third since the start of November.
Edmonton
-
Woman charged in drowning of 5-year-old west of Edmonton
An Edmonton woman was charged in the drowning of a five-year-old girl last month.
-
'Keep that legacy going': Siblings revive one of Alberta's oldest general stores
It's a brisk, bright autumn morning when Julie-Ann McNeilly comes barrelling down a dirt road, steps out of her van and dives deep into the history of Johnny's Store.
-
'We ended up ordering pizza': Couples accuse Edmonton caterer of jilting them on wedding day
A couple's wedding day is something they'll remember forever, but for some recently married in Edmonton it's memorable for the wrong reasons.
Calgary
-
'Keep that legacy going': Siblings revive one of Alberta's oldest general stores
It's a brisk, bright autumn morning when Julie-Ann McNeilly comes barrelling down a dirt road, steps out of her van and dives deep into the history of Johnny's Store.
-
Fifth person charged in Tara Miller's death
Alberta RCMP have charged a fifth person in the death of Calgarian Tara Miller.
-
Miromanov and Coleman score, Wolf earns shutout as Flames blank Predators 2-0
Daniil Miromanov's first goal of the season was the game-winner and rookie Dustin Wolf had 29 saves for his first career shutout as the Calgary Flames beat the Nashville Predators 2-0 on Friday night.
Lethbridge
-
Lethbridge and area charities, businesses to be impacted by Canada Post workers strike
Early Friday morning, the union representing Canada Post workers officially went on strike. The strike will have a wide-reaching impact on many Canadians, and it comes at a difficult time for charities.
-
Lethbridge-West residents still without representation five months after MLA resignation
A back-and-forth question between Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi when it comes to calling a Lethbridge-West byelection has no distinct answer nearly five months later.
-
Students put math, science skills to work for cardboard boat in Lethbridge competition
Two hundred students from across southern Alberta set sail at the University of Lethbridge Thursday, in cardboard boats.
Winnipeg
-
Video shows shotgun pointed at staff during pawn shop robbery
A Winnipeg pawn shop owner is speaking out after a violent robbery at his McPhillips Street location.
-
'A little piece of history': Winnipeg homeowner finds 80-year-old letters hidden in walls
When George Arcioni began renovating his kitchen last summer, he didn’t expect to find a stack of letters hidden in the wall behind his oven.
-
'A special place': Looking back at the history of Canada Life Centre as it marks 20 years
A hectic blur. That is how the opening day of Canada Life Centre—originally MTS Centre—is remembered by many who were involved in bringing the arena to downtown Winnipeg 20 years ago.
Regina
-
Palestine flag raising cancellation prompts city hall demonstration in Regina
Despite the cancellation of a planned flag raising, a group of demonstrators gathered at Regina city hall Friday to mark Palestine’s Independence Day.
-
Sask. man facing child pornography charge
A Saskatchewan man is facing a child pornography charge following investigation by the provincial Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit.
-
'It's historic': For the first time, Regina city council will include 2 women of colour
Regina voters in two wards made history Wednesday night, electing two women of colour to serve on council for the first time in the city's history.
Saskatoon
-
Saskatchewan tire recycler suing province for $10M over multiple year contract dispute
A Saskatoon rubber manufacturer is taking the province to court, claiming millions of dollars in damages for breach of a contract as part of a dispute that's lasted more than two years.
-
Sask. boy sentenced in fatal shooting
One of two boys involved in an unintentional fatal shooting of their 12-year-friend sentenced on Friday.
-
No injuries in Saskatoon garage fire
Saskatoon firefighters responded to a garage fire on the 100 block of Avenue U South Thursday night.
Toronto
-
Cold case that puzzled Toronto-area police for nearly half a century cracked. Here's how they did it
For nearly 45 years, the identity of the human remains found along a rural road north of Toronto remained a mystery. It was on July 16, 1980, when a Markham, Ont. resident made the discovery near a wooded area on Eleventh Concession, between 14th and Steeles avenues. Unbeknownst to them, the remains belonged to William Joseph Pennell, a convict who had escaped a Kingston prison a month earlier.
-
How these Swifties spent $600 each on last-minute tickets to Taylor Swift’s Toronto concert
After failed attempts at securing the long-awaited “Eras Tour” concert tickets in Toronto, Alexis Abou-Chalha thought she was out of luck. However, when Ticketmaster surprised fans with additional seats before the six-show series started, they were able to snag last minute tickets.
-
Mother and daughter get Taylor Swift tickets to Toronto show after losing $1,800 to scam
Taylor Swift is in the midst of playing her six-show series at the Rogers Centre and while fans are still scrambling to find tickets, some have unfortunately gotten caught in scams.
Montreal
-
Two missing after house fire in Beauce, Que.
Two men are missing after a house fire in Saint-Georges, Beauce, Friday evening.
-
Montreal road rage caught on video: Suspect charged with assault causing bodily harm
A 47-year-old Terrebonne man has been charged following a case of road rage in broad daylight last summer on the Ile-aux-Tourtes bridge.
-
Crash leaves man dead in Rivière-des-Prairies
Montreal police (SPVM) have confirmed that a 76-year-old man died after a collision with an SUV in Montreal’s Rivière-des-Prairies neighbourhood.
Ottawa
-
Single-vehicle crash on Highway 417 in Ottawa leaves driver,65, dead
An Ottawa driver has died following a single-vehicle crash on Highway 417 Friday afternoon, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
-
Glen Road rollover in eastern Ontario left one dead, injured another: OPP
A single-vehicle rollover Friday afternoon left one person dead, another injured and closed Glen Road in eastern Ontario for approximately eight hours, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
-
Best Chili in Ottawa according to Ottawa firefighters
Firefighters from Ottawa Fire Service helped CTV Morning Live’s crew Friday morning choose the best chili in town in the ByWard Market, in honour of the Grey Cup weekend.
Atlantic
-
Canada Post strike: Maritime provinces working to ensure vital cheques arrive
All three Maritime provinces are working on alternatives to ensure residents receive vital mail, like government cheques, after Canada Post workers hit the picket lines Friday morning.
-
String of three murders in Nova Scotia raises alarm about intimate partner violence
Groups working to help victims of domestic violence in Nova Scotia say a recent string of murders of women provides just a glimpse of the extent of intimate partner violence in the province, and they say more action is needed to protect victims.
-
Renowned Nova Scotia artist Tom Forrestall passes away
On Friday, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia (AGNS) reported on Facebook that Tom Forrestall had passed away.
London
-
Canada Post workers in London joined 55,000 CUPW workers from across Canada on the picket line Friday
Postal workers hit the picket line Friday morning, and the strike comes as we head into the busy holiday shopping season.
-
NEW
NEW CTV News London’s top stories from this week
In case you missed it, CTV News London has gathered all of the top local stories from this week into one video for your convenience.
-
Hand painted float among attractions at Saturday's Santa Claus Parade
The hand decorated parade float will depart in the London Santa Claus Parade on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. from the Agriplex.
Kitchener
-
Former Waterloo, Ont. school principal pleads guilty to luring, sending sexually explicit material
A former elementary school principal in Waterloo, Ont. has pleaded guilty to charges that include luring and transmitting sexually explicit material to someone believed to be under the age of 16.
-
Woman struck by car in Cambridge shares what happened
A woman who was hit by a vehicle in Cambridge, Ont. is speaking out about the scary experience.
-
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Canada Post workers go on strike Friday morning, disrupting deliveries
Canadian Union of Postal Workers said approximately 55,000 workers are striking, claiming little progress has been made in the bargaining process.
Northern Ontario
-
Police in Canada collected wreckage after object shot down over Lake Huron
Newly released documents show the Royal Canadian Mounted Police collected wreckage after an unidentified object was shot down over Lake Huron in February of last year.
-
Teacher charged with sex assault of a minor at a school in northern Ont.
A 72-year-old teacher from Blind River has been charged with multiple counts of sexual assault involving two victims under the age of 16.
-
Timmins, Ont., rock band sets new world record Friday
The Timmins rock band Miners and Sons have made history. The group performed a rock concert in the world’s deepest base metal mine below sea level, breaking a Guinness World Record.
N.L.
-
English soccer game did not deliver such a big bounce for N.L. after all: province
Newfoundland and Labrador's return on investment for sponsoring a professional English soccer team was not quite as rosy as previously claimed.
-
Newfoundland man electrocuted by downed power line, two women injured
Police in Newfoundland say a man was electrocuted Saturday by a downed power wire about 10 kilometres north of St. John's, N.L.
-
What is 'recitation?' Newfoundland tradition-keeper returns to stage from 100-day cancer-treatment isolation
On Thursday morning, Dave Penny officially ended a suggested hundred-day isolation period that followed his diagnosis and stem cell treatment for non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. On Thursday night, Penny returned to a stage at a downtown St. John's bar, regaling a small crowd with songs and stories with a distinctive Newfoundland flair.
