Highway 1 closed at Boston Bar as wildfires spread in Fraser Canyon
Two out-of-control wildfires are forcing evacuations and road closures near Hope. Metro Vancouver's air quality could worsen as smoke drifts west.
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Highway 1 remains closed both east and west of Boston Bar for traveller safety as wildfire activity intensifies in the Fraser Canyon. Traffic control is established at Hope and Lytton to prevent access into the affected area.
Two fires are driving the closures: the Brunswick Creek fire, which spans 3,578 hectares, and the Ainslie Creek fire at 16,197 hectares. Multiple evacuation orders are in effect for the Boston Bar area, along with several evacuation alerts. The BC Wildfire Service expects elevated fire behaviour to continue Thursday with strong erratic winds and possible dry lightning, though unstable conditions should pass within 24 to 48 hours.
Metro Vancouver residents should prepare for potential air quality impacts. An air quality warning is possible if conditions worsen, with eastern parts of the Fraser Valley already experiencing smoke from the fires. Fine particulate matter measurements remain below warning thresholds as of Thursday morning, but winds are forecast to shift later in the day—which could push smoke away from the region or worsen air quality depending on wind direction.
Drivers should check DriveBC for the most current closure and reopening information. The closures will remain in place until it is safe to reopen the corridor.
By the numbers
How large are the two wildfires in the Fraser Canyon?
The Brunswick Creek fire spans 3,578 hectares and the Ainslie Creek fire spans 16,197 hectares.
When is elevated fire behaviour expected to continue?
The BC Wildfire Service expects elevated fire behaviour to continue on Thursday, July 16, 2026, with strong erratic winds and possible dry lightning, though unstable conditions should pass within 24 to 48 hours.
What air quality impacts might Metro Vancouver experience?
Metro Vancouver residents could face an air quality warning if conditions worsen. Fine particulate matter measurements remained below warning thresholds as of Thursday morning on July 16, 2026, but wind shifts forecast for later that day could either push smoke away or worsen air quality depending on direction.
