'There's nowhere for me to go': Lytton evacuees still displaced almost 1 year after wildfire
Seniors David and Doreen Crozier never thought their lives could change so dramatically in a single day.
“I didn’t actually think I would be homeless at 76 years of age,” said Doreen.
The Croziers are among more than 200 Lytton, B.C., residents still scattered around the province almost a year after a wildfire swept the village.
The Croziers have been living at Camp Hope.
It’s a place normally used for church retreats and summer camp, but took in evacuees after the devastating fire.
Doreen was still inside her home when it caught fire on June 30, 2021. She said the only thing she got out was her cat.
The couple’s truck also caught fire and her husband, David Crozier, suddenly found himself in a burning vehicle.
“I could see nothing and I was panicking and I did lucky enough get the handle on the door, got the door open and the truck exploded,” he recalled.
He was lucky to suffer burns only to his arms.
The couple then made a harrowing escape from Lytton as the flames consumed the community.
“There was no time – there was minutes,” David said.
“It was total inferno on Highway 1, both sides by then."
Twelve months later, the fire is still tough to talk about for the couple.
David still has nightmares.
Structures that were destroyed by wildfire are seen in Lytton, B.C., on Tuesday, June 14, 2022. The fire-ravaged community of Lytton, B.C., will get $21 million from the provincial government to help it rebuild essential infrastructure and services. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
“Everything comes through your head about the fire. Where you going to live? Will your house be rebuilt?"
The pain of that day and the danger still haunt other Lytton evacuees as well, including Alphonse Adams.
“I think about it, what could happen if that fire came through and everybody was sleeping. That’s what I keep having nightmares about,” he said, wiping away tears.
Many Lytton evacuees are having a difficult time shaking the past, and remain uncertain about the future.
“I need a place to stay there and there’s nowhere for me to go,” said Adams, who is also living at Camp Hope.
At one point, the camp housed more than 65 displaced Lytton residents. Now there are just six.
Long-time Lytton resident Mona Croston, 85, has been living in a Merritt motel for months. It’s the eight place she’s stayed since the fire burned her home.
She had insurance and plans to build a new home.
However, many residents were uninsured, including the Croziers.
They don’t know if they will ever be able to own their own home again.
For now, they’re grateful they can stay at the camp.
“They have told us we can stay here as long as necessary so we just have to play it by ear,” she said.
But the Crozier’s miss the friends and community they called home for more than a decade
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.