Telus sets up mobile cell tower for Lytton, B.C. emergency crews

VANCOUVER — Telus Corp. says its has deployed emergency communications equipment to support local authorities and emergency crews dealing with the wildfire in Lytton, B.C.

Telus is the main wireless provider for the Lytton area, where about 1,000 people fled to safety after the emergency evacuation order was issued this week.

Officials have said a lack of cell service has made it difficult to determine if anyone remains in the village, southwest of Kamloops in the B.C. interior.

Telus spokeswoman Liz Sauve says the company set up a mobile cell tower at about 6 p.m. Thursday to provide temporary service in the area.

Telus had announced earlier Thursday that the fire disabled two of its cellphone towers in the area but Sauve says its crews haven’t been able to get close enough to assess the damage.

The Vancouver-based company provides mobile, phone and internet services throughout British Columbia and Alberta, including in Lytton.

Telus says it’s suspending all wireless overage charges throughout the month of July for customers who have been forced out of their homes.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 2, 2021.

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The Canadian Press