Ainslie Creek wildfire at 64,674 hectares as Highway 1 closure continues through Fraser Canyon
Wildfire showing growth on southwest flank; Thompson-Nicola Regional District has issued evacuation order for 61 properties.
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The Ainslie Creek wildfire continues to burn out of control in the Fraser Canyon, reaching an estimated 64,674 hectares as of Saturday, August 15.
Highway 1 remains closed between Toll Road at Yale and Aspen Road south of Boston Bar due to wildfire danger and falling debris. Both Highway 5 (Coquihala) and Highway 8 remain open but could close suddenly with little notice, with smoke creating visibility concerns. No new evacuation orders or alerts have been issued since August 11.
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has issued an Evacuation Order for 61 addressed properties in Electoral Areas "I" and "N". An official with the Fraser Valley Regional District says the wildfire has destroyed at least seven buildings, including four homes or seasonal cabins.
Overnight on August 14-15, increased fire behaviour was recorded in the Fraser Canyon south of Hell's Gate, with the fire burning at Rank 3 and 4 intensity toward Spuzzum. The fire is approximately 2.5 kilometres north of Alexandra Bridge at higher elevation and has crossed Guilt Creek guard, continuing to push south toward the primary guard and Alexandra Bridge. Structure protection crews are in place to protect values and prevent the fire from crossing Highway 1.
Heavy smoke is limiting aviation equipment use, but helicopters will conduct bucketing operations when visibility allows. On the northeast flank near Highway 8, crews are extending a guard from Edgar FSR to Hooshum FSR. On the southeast flank, crews with helicopter support continue working on the west side of Maka Creek, with heavy equipment constructing a guard running from Fig Lake through properties along Patchett Road.
An Area Restriction is now in effect surrounding the wildfire. Recreational off-road vehicle use has been prohibited across several fire centres. Drivers are reminded that crews and heavy machinery are working throughout the area and should moderate speed and not enter restricted areas unless authorized.
For evacuation information, visit EmergencyInfoBC. For current wildfire situation updates, check the BC Wildfire Service map.
The facts
How large is the Ainslie Creek wildfire?
The Ainslie Creek wildfire had reached 64,674 hectares as of Saturday, August 15, 2026.
Which highway is closed due to the wildfire?
Highway 1 remains closed between Toll Road at Yale and Aspen Road south of Boston Bar due to wildfire danger and falling debris.
How many properties are under evacuation order?
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has issued an Evacuation Order for 61 addressed properties in Electoral Areas 'I' and 'N'.
How many buildings have been destroyed?
The wildfire has destroyed at least seven buildings, including four homes or seasonal cabins.
