Two wildfires near Boston Bar force more evacuations, destroy resort structures

Two out-of-control wildfires near Boston Bar have led to more evacuations and have destroyed structures at a resort as hot and dry conditions continue to drive spread.

On Wednesday night, the Fraser Valley Regional District upgraded an evacuation alert to an order for 38 more properties. The Brunswick Creek wildfire has grown to more than 26 square kilometres, while the nearby Ainslie Creek wildfire is now mapped at more than 169 square kilometres. Together, they cover more than 200 square kilometres.

Fire officials believe both fires were ignited by humans. While structures have been lost, the area is too dangerous to enter for immediate damage assessment. Samantha Piper, a spokesperson for the Fraser Valley Regional District, said the regional district is working with the B.C. Wildfire Service on plans to conduct rapid damage assessment, possibly this weekend.

In an Instagram post, Shayne Findlay, the operator of Blue Lake Resort about 15 kilometres north of Boston Bar, shared video showing some structures at the resort had been lost. Staff have been watching the destruction on live web cameras.

The B.C. Wildfire Service said firefighters expect the blaze will continue to spread because of warm and dry conditions and high winds. Wind gusts of up to 40 kilometres an hour are expected overnight. Fire officials said some torching of trees along the southern edge of the Brunswick Creek wildfire will be visible from Boston Bar, however the wind is pushing the fire away from communities.

Highway 1 remains closed between Boston Bar Station Road and Ainslie Road North. Environment and Climate Change Canada has posted an orange-level air quality alert for the Fraser Canyon, where wildfire smoke is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility. Residents are being asked to avoid strenuous outdoor activities until the warning has ended.