B.C. wildfires force 118 more properties onto evacuation alert near Highway 5
The Ainslie Creek wildfire continues advancing on multiple fronts, with the province expanding alerts as flames approach major highways and Indigenous reserve lands.
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The Ainslie Creek wildfire has prompted additional evacuation alerts across the Thompson-Nicola Regional District and Fraser Valley, with flames advancing toward both Highway 5 and Highway 8 as of Tuesday, August 11.
On Monday, the TNRD placed 118 properties in Electoral Area N on alert—south of Comstock Road, south of Brookmere, and north of Juliet Drive—covering both sides of Highway 5. Two more properties received alert status Tuesday, extending south from Juliet Drive to the Britton Creek Rest Area. The Lower Nicola Indian Band issued an evacuation order for Speous IR 8 on Sunshine Valley Road near Canford, while the Cook's Ferry Band issued evacuation alerts for IR 7 and IR 21.
The fire, part of the Brunswick complex and discovered near Highway 1 in the Fraser Canyon on July 4, has grown to 61,399 hectares after merging with the Anderson Creek wildfire. Fire behaviour remains aggressive on both flanks: on the northeast near Highway 8, spotting across Nooaitch Creek prompted a 24-hour BC Wildfire Service operation overnight Monday, with the fire within two kilometres of control lines. On the southeast flank near Highway 5, the closest perimeter edge sits approximately 10 kilometres from the highway after considerable growth Monday afternoon.
Both highways remain open but smoke is visible to motorists, and closures can occur suddenly.
The facts
How many properties were placed on evacuation alert in Electoral Area N on Monday, August 10?
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District placed 118 properties on evacuation alert south of Comstock Road, south of Brookmere, and north of Juliet Drive, covering both sides of Highway 5.
When was the Ainslie Creek wildfire first discovered?
The Ainslie Creek wildfire was discovered near Highway 1 in the Fraser Canyon on July 4, 2026.
How large has the Ainslie Creek wildfire grown?
The Ainslie Creek wildfire has grown to 61,399 hectares after merging with the Anderson Creek wildfire.
How close is the fire to Highway 5?
On the southeast flank near Highway 5, the closest perimeter edge of the Ainslie Creek wildfire sits approximately 10 kilometres from the highway.
