Brunswick Creek Wildfire Grows to 1,200 Hectares, Forcing Evacuations Near Boston Bar, B.C.
An aggressive wildfire burning near Boston Bar, British Columbia, has expanded quickly and triggered evacuation orders and alerts for several communities in the Fraser Canyon.
The Brunswick Creek wildfire grew from about 100 hectares on Saturday to more than 1,200 hectares, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service. It has now been listed as a wildfire of note, making it the only fire in the province currently placed in that category.
Brunswick Creek Fire Becomes Wildfire of Note
The B.C. Wildfire Service classifies a fire as a wildfire of note when it creates increased public concern or when officials want response information to be easier for the public to find.
The Brunswick Creek fire was first detected on July 2 near the community of Boston Bar, along Highway 1.
Officials believe the fire was likely caused by human activity.
Evacuation Order Issued for North Bend
The Fraser Valley Regional District has issued an evacuation order for the entire community of North Bend.
The order also covers the surrounding area extending north along Chaumox Road and affects about 146 properties.
Boston Bar and North Bend are located across the Fraser River from each other in the rugged Fraser Canyon. Around 500 people live in the area.
Boston Bar Placed Under Evacuation Alert
Nearly 260 properties in Boston Bar are under an evacuation alert, according to the regional district.
However, officials noted that many of those properties do not contain structures.
An evacuation alert means residents should be ready to leave quickly if conditions worsen or if an evacuation order is issued.
Boothroyd Indian Band Orders Evacuation
The Boothroyd Indian Band, located just north of Boston Bar, has also issued an evacuation order for its community because of the wildfire.
The order has forced residents to leave their homes as fire conditions remain dangerous and unpredictable.
Boothroyd Resident Describes Fear and Exhaustion
Carolyn Sankey, a Boothroyd resident, said her community was evacuated around noon on Sunday.
She spoke to CBC News from the Hope Recreation Centre in Hope, B.C., where evacuees were being directed for support.
Sankey said she felt devastated and exhausted, adding that she wanted to rest and was hoping for rain to help crews control the fire.
She said about 100 people live in Boothroyd.
Ash Fell Heavily Before Evacuation
According to Sankey, Boothroyd had been placed on alert Saturday, and residents were told to prepare to leave on short notice.
By Sunday morning, she said ash was falling heavily around her home.
Her family had packed several suitcases into the back of their truck the night before and covered them with a tarp. By morning, the tarp was covered in ash and had holes burned through it.
Sankey said that was when they knew they had to leave.
Evacuees Sent to Chilliwack Hotel
Sankey said she was heading to a hotel in Chilliwack arranged by the Boothroyd Indian Band.
Her husband, however, planned to return to help fight the fire.
She said he wanted to protect his land and home, while she remained worried about houses, animals and the wider community.
Memories of 2023 Kookipi Creek Wildfire Return
Boothroyd was also evacuated in 2023 during the Kookipi Creek wildfire, which burned through parts of the Fraser Canyon and forced evacuations in several communities.
Sankey said the Brunswick Creek fire has brought back those fears.
She described seeing pink and orange skies and said it looked like the end of the world.
Strong Winds Fuel Fire Growth
Samantha Bellion, an information officer with the B.C. Wildfire Service’s Coastal Fire Centre, said strong downslope winds caused a major change in fire activity.
The winds were gusting between 40 and 50 kilometres per hour, creating extreme fire behaviour in the afternoon.
Bellion said the fire grew significantly overnight, with much of the growth moving north and away from North Bend.
Situation Remains Unpredictable
Although much of the fire’s overnight growth moved away from North Bend, Bellion said the situation remains dynamic.
Residents near the fire are being urged to follow instructions from local authorities.
She also said strong winds, which are common in the Fraser Canyon, have caused new spot fires. Some of those fires are now listed separately on the wildfire map.
Crews Focus on Spot Fires and Structure Protection
Fire crews are prioritizing spot fires north of the main blaze.
They are also supporting structure protection efforts in nearby communities and affected areas.
The B.C. Wildfire Service said steep terrain and poor visibility can limit aircraft use. Officials emphasized that responder safety remains the top priority.
An incident management team has been requested, along with additional resources and aviation support.
Highway 1 Open, Chaumox Road Closed
According to DriveBC, Highway 1 remains open through the area on the eastern side of the Fraser River.
However, Chaumox Road is closed between Boston Bar Station Road and 4 Barrel Road because of the wildfire.
Smoke from the fire has been clearly visible around Highway 1 and has reportedly been seen as far away as Merritt and Hope.
Air Quality Warning Issued
An air quality warning is now in effect for the Fraser Canyon south area.
The warning includes North Bend, Boston Bar and Lytton.
Residents in smoky areas are being urged to monitor local updates and take precautions, especially those with breathing issues, seniors, children and people with underlying health conditions.
