Highway 1 near Boston Bar reopens; crews move back from edge of wildfire spreading towards Merritt

BC Wildfire Service members are retreating from the edge of the Merritt zone of the Brunswick Complex of fires.

In an update Thursday (July 16), the wildfire service says ground crews will work on lines further from the edge of the fire that’s spreading towards Merritt due to the potential for aggressive and unpredictable fire behavior.

It comes following a day of erratic winds and inflow conditions on Thursday.

“During this time our tactics and objectives must shift to ensure the safety of our crews and all personnel working on the fires within the complex,” the wildfire service states.

Meantime, helicopters will continue to bucket the southeast flank to prevent the wildfire from moving east towards Stoyoma Mountain. The wildfire service notes the area is inaccessible for ground crews.

Additionally, structure protection planning is continuing along the Highway 8 corridor.

According to the wildfire service, temperatures are expected to cool slightly on Friday, with humidity values expected to increase. However, wind gusts of up to 40 km/h are expected to continue blowing towards the northeast.

An air quality warning is in effect for the South Thompson, Nicola and Fraser Canyon regions, including Lytton. Environment Canada’s forecast for Friday morning indicates that widespread smoke will persist in Kamloops starting near midnight. Widespread smoke is expected to persist until at least through the afternoon Saturday.

In the Fraser zone, the wildfire service says the fire grew on the northeast flank, although it’s burning into steep terrain and currently not threatening any structures or critical infrastructure.

The Trans Canada Highway between Boston Bar and Lytton reopened at 8:00 a.m. Friday. Due to the Brunswick Complex of fires, DriveBC says one lane is open in each direction, the speed limit is reduced to 60 km/h and no stopping is allowed within the wildfire zone. Drivers are asked to watch for signage and crews.

The community of Boston Bar was ordered to evacuate.

“Along Highway 1, ground crews have been fully engaged in mop up and patrol of all areas of concern, particularly around structures and other values,” the wildfire service states. “Structure protection personnel are fully engaged in structure defense, working to protect structures, critical infrastructure and cultural values.”

The Brunswick Complex of fires near Boston Bar are wildfires of note, with an estimated combined size of more than 20,000 hectares.

According to the wildfire service, 369 firefighters are responding to the Brunswick Complex. They’re supported by 20 helicopters, 41 pieces of heavy equipment and 88 structure protection personnel.