Growing B.C. Wildfire Closes Highway 1, Prompts Evacuation Alerts

A rapidly growing wildfire in British Columbia's Fraser Canyon has forced the closure of a key section of the Trans-Canada Highway and prompted further evacuation alerts for residents.

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The fire is expected to become more active with windy conditions, especially in areas where wind and steep slopes align.

The Brunswick Creek fire, located near Boston Bar, B.C., has surged to 18 square kilometers. This expansion has led the BC Wildfire Service to issue an evacuation alert for 48 properties north of Boston Bar. In total, approximately 150 properties are now under evacuation order, with another 255 properties on evacuation alert, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.

Highway 1, the main artery through the region, is closed between Boston Bar Station Road and Ainslie Road North. The BC Wildfire Service anticipates the fire will become more active due to expected gusty winds, particularly where wind aligns with steep slopes. Groundcrews, supported by heavy equipment and helicopters, are actively engaged in direct attacks and structure protection, while also working to create a fuel break south of the fire.

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Groundcrews are conducting direct attack and assisting structure protection operations on the northern flank of the fire.

Multiple local fire departments are assisting in efforts to safeguard homes. The Brunswick Creek wildfire, discovered on July 2, is believed to be human-caused and remains out of control. Evacuation orders have been issued for areas including the Boothroyd Indian Band, Boston Bar First Nation, and Canyon Alpine. Residents in North Bend, like Attila Banhegyi, express concern over forecasted winds pushing the fire toward their community, fearing a repeat of the devastating 2021 Lytton wildfire.

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Groundcrews are also working with heavy equipment to create a fuel break south of the fire.