7 months after catastrophic fire, frustrations mount in Lytton, B.C., over pace of recovery

A fresh coat of early February snow does little to mask the charred remains of building and vehicles in Lytton, B.C. 

Apart from the snow, little has changed in the village since a catastrophic fire destroyed an estimated 90 per cent of buildings and homes last June.

Lots that once held homes are still a mess of blackened debris and ash. It’s become something of a sore point for residents, like former mayor Jessoa Lightfoot, who had hoped rebuilding would be in full swing by now. 

“It’s just a big empty pit down there right now,” said Lightfoot.

“You can’t get your mail, you can’t