From 27 to 29 June 2021, Lytton broke several high temperature records in Canada, that were surpassed each day. The hottest temperature in Canadian history was recorded on 29 June in Lytton; that Monday, the temperature hit 49.6°C.[2] The records were set during the 2021 Western North America heat wave.
On 30 June 2021, the day after the temperature records, a wildfire swept through the village, destroying most buildings.[3] Following the fire, 90% of the village had burned down.[4]
Almost the entire population was evacuated just before the fire reached and burned down the village. Two local people were burned to death when they could not escape the fire that engulfed their house.[5]
