Brunswick and Ainslie Creek wildfires remain active; Highway 1 closed through Fraser Canyon
The two wildfires burning near Boston Bar cover nearly 47,000 hectares combined. Evacuation alerts now cover more than 400 addressed properties as crews battle the southern flank.
Sources · local media reports
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Two major wildfires burning in the Fraser Canyon near Boston Bar remain active Sunday morning, with no new evacuation orders issued but significant ongoing risks to Highway 1.
The Brunswick Creek wildfire, discovered July 2, is estimated at 7,483 hectares. The Ainslie Creek wildfire, discovered July 4, is estimated at 39,819 hectares. Both fires are suspected to have been human-caused.
On Saturday, the Fraser Valley Regional District issued an evacuation order for the area along Highway 1 from Alexandra Lodge to Sawmill Creek, escalating from an earlier evacuation alert. A new evacuation alert was also issued for the area from Sawmill Creek to Dogwood Valley, covering more than 400 addressed properties.
Highway 1 remains closed from Toll Road near Yale to Jackass Summit due to significant risk from downed power lines, rock debris, and compromised trees falling downslope. Wind gusts Saturday increased these hazards, with multiple locations between China Bar and Hell's Gate experiencing rolling debris and further downed power lines.
On the Brunswick Creek fire's southern flank, crews are demobilizing fire-affected equipment and focusing on hot spot suppression and structure protection in the Scuzzy Creek drainage. On the northern flank, crews are using infrared scanning to locate and extinguish hot spots along the fire perimeter. Fallers are continuing to assess and remove danger trees to maintain safe access for crews along roads and highways. Crews are coordinating with BC Hydro, TELUS, CN, CPKC, and the Ministry of Transportation and Transit to restore utilities.
On the Ainslie Creek fire's southern flank, wind gusts of 50 to 70 km/hr on Saturday increased fire activity. Localized outflow winds Sunday and Monday could funnel through valleys and contribute to spread along the southern perimeter toward Hell's Gate. Structure protection crews are working south of the fire's perimeter in the valley and in Spuzzum to protect surrounding communities. In Boston Bar, crews have achieved 100 feet of extinguishment into the fire's edge, and around Canyon Alpine they continue working toward similar extinguishment in areas near values.
BC Wildfire Service is coordinating with partners to ensure safe access for crews and motorists before the highway reopens. An estimated date and time of reopening has not been determined. For information about highway closures, visit DriveBC.
How many people have been evacuated so far, and for how long are they expected to be out of their homes?
When do crews expect to have Highway 1 fully reopened for traffic?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
By the numbers
How large are the Brunswick and Ainslie Creek wildfires combined?
The Brunswick Creek wildfire covers 7,483 hectares and the Ainslie Creek wildfire covers 39,819 hectares, for a combined total of nearly 47,000 hectares near Boston Bar.
When were these two wildfires discovered?
The Brunswick Creek wildfire was discovered on July 2, and the Ainslie Creek wildfire was discovered on July 4.
How many properties are under evacuation alert?
More than 400 addressed properties are under evacuation alert, covering the area from Sawmill Creek to Dogwood Valley in the Fraser Canyon.
Which section of Highway 1 is closed?
Highway 1 is closed from Toll Road near Yale to Jackass Summit due to risk from downed power lines, rock debris, and compromised trees.
