Shackan residents anxious to return home

Residents of the Shackan Indian Band have been on evacuation order since July 22 due to the Lytton wildfire.

The Lytton Creek fire has burned 51,336 hectares at last report.

“Heavy equipment has completed construction of the fire guard on a portion of the southeast flank, near the community of Shackan. Structure protection equipment has been deployed in the community of Shackan and the Nooaitch community is now being assessed,” reads the wildfire report.

While residents of the nearby community of Spences Bridge have been allowed to return home, the band remains on evacuation order, and Chief Arnold Lampreau says his community is anxious to return home.

“They’ve been stressed out and they want to go home just like anybody else. Its been over 10 days now. Quite honestly it’s taken a toll on everybody and it’s hard to hold everybody back at the moment. They really want to go home,” said Lampreau.

Structure protection units are active in the community ready to save homes if the fire comes their way.

“The apparatus are still making their rounds in the community, making sure if we do have a fire they’re ready with sprinklers on every house and building, to ensure nothing will be destroyed,” said Lampreau.

Currently there is no timeline for when the community may be able to return home.

“None right now due to the Mowhokam fire possible joining up (with the Lytton fire),” added Lampreau.

The Mowhokam Creek fire has burned 3568 hectares and remains out of control.