Massive Wildfire Complex Forces Evacuations in B.C. Fraser Canyon
Two major wildfires burning out of control near Boston Bar, B.C., have grown to more than 114 square kilometres combined, forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate and closing the Trans-Canada Highway. Both fires are suspected to be human-caused.
Fire Growth and Scale
As of Wednesday morning, the Brunswick Creek fire near Boston Bar has grown to 2,623 hectares (about 26 square kilometers), and the fire that has been burning since July 2 is considered out of control. Just across Highway 1 from the Brunswick Creek fire, the Ainslie Creek fire has burned 16,987 hectares — nearly 170 square kilometres. The BC Wildfire Service says the combined Brunswick Creek and Ainslie Creek wildfires measure more than 114 square kilometres and have forced residents to evacuate from 283 properties.
Evacuations and Highway Closure
Several evacuation orders have been issued by the local regional district and nearby First Nations. Seven separate evacuation orders are now in place, including for two First Nation communities, along with two evacuation alerts for other residents. Highway 1 near Boston Bar is closed in both directions as a result of the two fires.
Conditions and Response
High winds and hot dry conditions fuelled both fires in the days after they started earlier this month and more wind could further increase fire behaviour. Both fires are suspected to be caused by human activity. The two fires have also knocked out power for hundreds of customers, with more than 220 customers without electricity after BC Hydro de-energized three sections of power lines.
If you're planning to travel to or through British Columbia, especially in the Fraser Canyon region, check current road closures and air quality before heading out. Visitors and new residents should monitor wildfire updates during summer months, as evacuation alerts can escalate quickly. The region's terrain and proximity to residential communities make these fires particularly serious for anyone in the area.
Sources
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