A dangerous wildfire burning in British Columbia’s Fraser Canyon continues to grow out of control, forcing authorities to close a section of the Trans-Canada Highway and issue evacuation orders affecting hundreds of residents in the region.
The Brunswick Creek fire, which officials believe was caused by human activity, has expanded to approximately 18 square kilometers as of Tuesday afternoon. The blaze has prompted the closure of Highway 1 between Boston Bar Station Road and Ainslie Road North, creating significant disruptions for travelers in the area.
According to BC’s Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, roughly 150 properties are currently under mandatory evacuation orders, while approximately 255 additional properties have received evacuation alerts. The Fraser Valley Regional District has issued alerts covering 48 properties north of Boston Bar, spanning both sides of the Fraser River. Evacuation orders affect several communities, including the Boothroyd Indian Band, Boston Bar First Nation, and Canyon Alpine.
Firefighting crews are working intensively to contain the flames, utilizing ground teams, heavy equipment, and aerial resources including helicopters. Officials warn that gusty winds forecast throughout the day could cause the fire to become more aggressive, particularly in areas where wind patterns align with steep terrain. Multiple local fire departments from surrounding communities have joined the effort to protect homes and structures.
The situation has sparked anxiety among local residents, with memories still fresh of the devastating 2021 Lytton fire that claimed two lives and destroyed much of that village, located just 45 kilometers north. Environment Canada has maintained an air quality alert for the Fraser Canyon and extending east to the Cariboo region, warning that smoke conditions pose particular risks for vulnerable populations including seniors, children, pregnant women, and those with respiratory or heart conditions.
