B.C. wildfires close multiple highways as three major fires rage in Fraser Canyon

Multiple out-of-control wildfires in B.C.'s Fraser Canyon and Manning Park region have forced closures of major highways, with no timeline for reopening.

Highway 1 is currently closed in both directions for 45.2 kilometres between Spuzzum Creek Road and Jackass Summit. Highway 3 through Manning Park is also closed due to smoke from the Norwegian Creek wildfire, a 900-hectare blaze listed as "out of control." Drivers are asked to use Highway 5 as an alternate route.

Three major fires are driving the closures. The Anderson Creek wildfire, discovered Tuesday, July 21, is currently 4,333 hectares; the Brunswick Creek wildfire is 6,140 hectares; and the Ainslie Creek wildfire has grown to over 18,000 hectares. Collectively known as the Brunswick Complex, fire behaviour increased significantly across the region, with notable increases along the northeast and south flanks.

According to the Fraser Valley Regional District, evacuation orders are currently in place in: Hells Gate; Scuzzy Creek FSR and South of Boston Bar; Boston Bar; Nahatlatch-North Boothroyd; North Bend-Canyon Alpine Area; and Fishblue Lake Area. People in evacuation-order areas are at risk and must immediately leave. Those in alert areas are not required to leave but must be ready to do so at a moment's notice. A State of Local Emergency has been declared in some impacted areas.

"Even light winds can increase fire activity and change fire behaviour rapidly, particularly in unburnt areas within the perimeter and where challenging terrain has limited suppression options," said the BC Wildfire Service. "Smoky, hazy skies will persist over the area."