Riley Creek wildfire south of Lillooet holds at 3,799 hectares; crews battle terrain hazards
The out-of-control blaze received rainfall overnight that subdued activity but created new dangers. Evacuation orders remain in place for two regional districts.
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The Riley Creek wildfire south of Lillooet remained out of control at an estimated 3,799 hectares as of Sunday evening, Aug. 23, with firefighting crews working against steep terrain and rolling debris that have become critical safety hazards.
Rainfall overnight on Aug. 22 helped subdue fire activity but created additional dangers: unstable ground and rolling rocks that complicate access for ground crews. The BC Wildfire Service responded in areas where it was safe to do so, focusing on extinguishing hotspots within the fire's perimeter.
The fire's north flank near Riley Creek has shown minimal growth, allowing crews to reduce structure protection equipment in that area. However, the southwestern flank displays the highest fire activity, with visible smoke emission continuing into surrounding communities. The fire is slowly progressing into the Texas Creek drainage in isolated patches but has not crossed to the east side of Texas Creek Road or the Fraser River.
A sprinkler line set up in Texas Creek is helping raise humidity levels and limit fire behaviour, preventing the blaze from crossing the drainage. Heavy equipment continues to strengthen Della Road to create a fuel-free line south of the fire perimeter. Crews are constructing a helicopter landing pad south of the fire to increase access for bucketing operations.
The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District has evacuation orders and alerts in place for Areas A and B, while the Thompson-Nicola Regional District maintains an evacuation alert for Area I. Texas Creek Road remains open; the Texas Creek Forest Service Road is closed due to fire activity.
By the numbers
How large was the Riley Creek wildfire as of August 23, 2026?
The Riley Creek wildfire south of Lillooet measured 3,799 hectares as of Sunday evening, August 23, 2026, and remained out of control.
Which regional districts have evacuation orders for the Riley Creek wildfire?
The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District has evacuation orders in place for Areas A and B related to the Riley Creek wildfire.
What did overnight rainfall on August 22, 2026 do to the fire?
Rainfall overnight on August 22, 2026 helped subdue fire activity at the Riley Creek wildfire, though it created additional dangers including unstable ground and rolling rocks that complicated crew access.
