Merritt activates EOC and Emergency Social Services to assist Lytton evacuees

UPDATE –

#Lytton Evacuees are starting to arrive in #Merritt. Lodging for those in need has been extended to 7 days. Some hotel rooms are available, the rest will be group lodging. “We can handle a lot of people. People will have somewhere to stay in #Merritt”

#Merritt Fire Chief Dave Tomkinson confirms to Q101 that himself along with Merritt Fire Engine 2 with a crew of four firefighters have been deployed to the #Lytton wildfire to assist.

The City of Merritt has officially activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and its Emergency Social Services building to assist evacuees from the Lytton wildfire.

The Emergency Social Services (ESS) building at 1721 Coldwater Avenue is open as a reception centre for evacuees.

Everyone evacuating from Lytton must register at the ESS, even if they do not want to access assistance

For those evacuees who do require assistance, after they have registered, they can be provided with up to 72 hours of lodging and incidental resources.

The City of Merritt has also sent firefighters to the Village to assist in any way possible.

Since the emergency evacuation order was declared Merrittonains have been voicing a desire to help. Merritt EOC Communications Manager Greg Lowis stated that they appreciate the community however at this time outside assistance is not required. If and when help is needed the City will reach out.

“Please just keep everybody in your thoughts and prayers at this time,” added Lowis.

Officials ordered the evacuation of the community of Lytton, B.C., Wednesday evening, just one day after the village shattered the record for highest temperature ever recorded in Canada for three consecutive days.

An evacuation order signed by Lytton Mayor Jan Polderman described a “fire event located within the village of Lytton,” which was “threatening structures and the safety of residents.”

About 250 people live in Lytton.

MORE TO COME