Highway Still Closed and Structures Lost as Fraser Canyon Wildfires Burn
Wildfire officials say the fires burning in the Fraser Canyon are expected to expand in the coming days as strong winds and hot weather continue to create dangerous fire conditions.
The warning comes as several communities, transportation routes and utility systems remain affected by the growing wildfires.
Extreme Winds Driving Fire Growth
In a social media update on Thursday, George Campbell, deputy incident commander for the Brunswick Complex fires, said crews are seeing extreme fire behaviour.
He said wind gusts between 50 and 72 kilometres per hour are contributing to rapid fire spread.
Officials expect the situation to remain challenging because of the weather forecast.
Fires Affect Roads, Rail Lines and Communities
Campbell said that between July 4 and July 9, the Brunswick Creek wildfire and the Ainslie Creek wildfire affected several key areas and services.
Those include Highway 1, CP Rail, CN Rail, BC Hydro, and the communities of North Bend, Alpine, Boothroyd and the Nahatlatch Valley.
Read More: Transport Canada Orders Detention of Boat Linked to Fatal B.C. Sinking
Highway Closures Remain in Place
As of Thursday, Highway 1 and Chaumox Road near Boston Bar remain closed because of wildfire activity.
The closures continue to affect travel and access in the region as crews respond to the fires.
Brunswick Creek Fire Grows
The Brunswick Creek fire, which started on July 2, is now estimated at 2,623.2 hectares.
Officials suspect the fire was human-caused.
It has led to seven evacuation orders and two evacuation alerts.
Ainslie Creek Fire Reaches Nearly 17,000 Hectares
The Ainslie Creek fire is much larger, now estimated at 16,987 hectares.
It began from a spot fire on July 4.
Campbell said that on the day it started, strong southerly winds gusted between 35 and 70 kilometres per hour, leading to extreme fire behaviour and rapid growth.
Structures Destroyed in Fraser Canyon
On Wednesday, officials confirmed that the wildfires had destroyed multiple structures in the Fraser Canyon.
The damage has affected local properties and businesses, including Blue Lake Resort, located north of Boothroyd.
Blue Lake Resort Suffers Major Damage
Shayne Findlay, whose family operates Blue Lake Resort, said several structures at the resort were damaged by flames.
He said the financial loss is significant.
Findlay explained that he had a webcam set up at the office and, because of a backup generator, he was able to watch buildings burn.
Resort Closing for the Summer
Findlay said Blue Lake Resort will close for the summer while the family assesses the damage and decides what to do next.
The loss adds to the broader impact of the Fraser Canyon wildfires on local communities and businesses.
The Fraser Canyon wildfires are expected to keep growing as strong winds and hot weather continue to fuel dangerous fire conditions. With evacuation orders in place, highways closed, infrastructure affected and structures destroyed, officials are warning that the coming days could remain difficult for crews and residents in the region.
