More evacuations, structures lost as two out-of-control wildfires rage near Boston Bar

Views of the Brunswick Creek wildfire on the afternoon of July 6. This is the north and east flanks of the blaze. B.C. Wildfire Service

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Two out-of-control wildfires near Boston Bar have led to more evacuations and have destroyed some structures at a resort.

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On Wednesday night, the Fraser Valley Regional District upgraded an evacuation alert to an order for 38 more properties.

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There are now seven evacuation orders affecting hundreds of properties for the Brunswick Creek wildfire, which has grown to more than 26 square kilometres, and an evacuation alert for the nearby Ainslie Creek wildfire, now mapped at more than 169 square kilometres.

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It’s believed that both fires — which fire officials also call the Brunswick Complex — were ignited by people.

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“At this time, we can confirm yes, there has been structures lost. However, the area is too dangerous to enter for damage assessment activity,” said Samantha Piper, a spokesperson for the Fraser Valley Regional District.

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Piper said that while they don’t know how many have been lost, the regional district is working with the B.C. Wildfire Service on plans to conduct rapid damage assessment, possibly this weekend.

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This map from the Fraser Valley Regional District shows properties on evacuation order because of the Brunswick Complex wildfire.

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In an update Thursday, the B.C. Wildfire Service said firefighters expect the blaze will continue to spread because of warm, dry conditions and high winds.

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Fire officials said some torching of trees along the southern edge of the Brunswick Creek wildfire will be visible from Boston Bar, however the wind is pushing the fire away from communities.

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Wind gusts of up to 40 km/h are expected overnight, according to the update.

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In an Instagram post, Shayne Findlay, the operator of Blue Lake Resort, shared video showing some structures at the resort had been lost. He says staff have been watching the destruction on live web cameras. Blue Lake Resort has a campground and cabins about 15 kilometres north of Boston Bar.

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Highway 1 remains closed between Boston Bar Station Road and Ainslie Road North, according to Drive B.C.

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Meantime, Environment and Climate Change Canada posted several air-quality warnings for the province, including one orange-level alert for the Fraser Canyon, where wildfire smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility.

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Residents in the alert area are being asked to avoid strenuous outdoor activity until the warning has ended, and to stay indoors in a space with cleaner air.

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Some people are more likely to be negatively impacted by smoke, including those with lung and heart conditions, pregnant individuals, infants and young children, people aged 65-and-older, and anyone whose health is affected by a chronic condition or acute illness, the warning stated.

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Views of the Brunswick Creek wildfire on the afternoon of July 6. This is the blaze as seen from Boston Bar. Photo by B.C. Wildfire Service

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More to come …

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