Wildfire Near Boston Bar, B.C., Expands to 1,800 Hectares, Prompting Fourth Evacuation Order
Another evacuation order has been issued as the Brunswick Creek wildfire continues burning out of control near Boston Bar, British Columbia.
On Monday, the Boston Bar First Nation ordered residents of IR 2 Kopchitchin to leave immediately as wildfire conditions remained dangerous in the area.
New Evacuation Order for IR 2 Kopchitchin
The latest evacuation order applies to anyone living in IR 2 Kopchitchin.
Residents were told to leave the area immediately because of the threat posed by the Brunswick Creek wildfire.
This order adds to several existing evacuation orders already in place around Boston Bar and nearby communities.
Existing Evacuation Orders Remain Active
Three previous evacuation orders remain in effect.
These include orders for the Boston Bar area, the North Bend community and surrounding area, and the Boothroyd Indian Band community.
An evacuation alert is also still in place for the Boston Bar area, meaning residents must be prepared to leave at short notice if conditions worsen.
Where Boston Bar Is Located
Boston Bar is located along Highway 1 and the Fraser River.
The community sits about 55 kilometres north of Hope, in a region where wildfire smoke, road closures and evacuation alerts have affected residents and travellers.
Aerial Firefighting Operations Resume
After heavy smoke and poor visibility grounded aircraft, the B.C. Wildfire Service resumed aerial firefighting operations on Tuesday.
Crews had been unable to fly during periods of reduced visibility, which made fire response more difficult.
With aircraft back in the air, responders are again using aerial support to fight the fire.
Brunswick Creek Fire Expands to 18 Square Kilometres
A review of the fire showed that the Brunswick Creek wildfire has grown to 18 square kilometres, or 1,800 hectares.
The fire remains classified as out of control.
It was first discovered on July 2.
Ainslie Creek Spot Fire Also Out of Control
Fire information officer Julia Caranci said a nearby spot fire at Ainslie Creek also remains out of control.
That fire has reached 6.95 square kilometres, or 695 hectares.
Caranci said crews expect challenges and possible growth on both fires over the next few days because of difficult weather and fire conditions.
Weather May Bring Brief Relief
Caranci said crews are hoping for slightly cooler temperatures and better conditions later in the week.
However, she warned that the heat could return after that.
Changing weather patterns may affect how aggressively the fires grow and how safely crews can respond.
Highway 1 Closure in Effect
A 10.5-kilometre section of Highway 1 has been closed because of the wildfire.
The closure runs between Boston Bar Station Road and Ainslie Road North.
The closure is affecting travel through the area and is intended to protect public safety while crews work nearby.
Officials Warn Drivers Not to Stop for Photos
Caranci urged motorists not to pull over to take pictures of the wildfire.
She said people should stay away from the active wildfire area so crews can do their work safely.
Officials also warned that stopping near the fire zone is unsafe for the public.
Air Quality Warnings Issued
Environment Canada has issued air quality warnings for the eastern Fraser Valley because of wildfire smoke.
Warnings are also in effect for areas north and south of the Fraser Canyon and around North Harrison Lake.
Residents in affected areas may experience smoky conditions and reduced air quality.
Fire Classified as Human-Caused
The B.C. Wildfire Service’s online situation page lists the Brunswick Creek wildfire as human-caused.
Under wildfire classification rules, any fire not sparked by lightning is placed in that category.
The exact circumstances that started the fire have not been detailed.
The Brunswick Creek wildfire near Boston Bar continues to create dangerous conditions, prompting another evacuation order for IR 2 Kopchitchin and leaving several existing evacuation orders in place. The fire has expanded to 18 square kilometres, while the nearby Ainslie Creek spot fire has also grown and remains out of control.
Aerial operations resumed Tuesday after smoke and poor visibility grounded aircraft, but crews are still facing difficult conditions. With Highway 1 partially closed, air quality warnings active, and residents under evacuation orders and alerts, officials are urging the public to stay away from the wildfire area and follow emergency instructions.
