Evacuation orders for Brunswick Creek fire near Boston Bar

A wildfire burning north of Boston Bar in British Columbia’s Fraser Canyon has grown significantly, prompting expanded evacuation orders and alerts for multiple communities. The Brunswick Creek fire, first reported on July 2, had reached 100 hectares by Sunday, July 5, and is classified as out of control.

The Fraser Valley Regional District expanded an evacuation order on Sunday to include dozens of properties in Electoral Area A, specifically in North Bend and along Chaumox Road on the west side of the Fraser River. The Boothroyd Indian Band has also issued an evacuation order. The community of Boston Bar, located on the east side of the river, is under an evacuation alert, meaning residents must be prepared to leave on short notice. Officials have declared a local state of emergency.

A temporary reception centre for evacuees opened at the Hope Recreation Centre on Sunday morning. Authorities urge anyone under an evacuation order to leave immediately.

The BC Wildfire Service suspects the fire was human-caused. Strong wind gusts, reaching 40-50 km/h on the afternoon of July 4, caused increased fire behaviour and growth, leading to several spot fires north of the main blaze. The...