Two Boston Bar-area fires merge together after spell of hot, dry and windy conditions

The BC Wildfire Service says two major fires burning in the Boston Bar-area have merged together because of aggressive fire behaviour and strong winds on Thursday (July 23).

In an online update, the BC Wildfire Service says the head of the 57 square kilometre Anderson Creek fire has merged with the southern edge of the 173 square kilometre Ainslie Creek fire following rapid growth above Canyon Alpine.

An updated perimeter isn’t available yet, but it’s expected given the merging of the two fires.

“Hot and dry conditions persisted today, with temperatures reaching the low 30s,” the BC Wildfire Service said. “Winds from the south and southwest picked up through the afternoon, gusting over 30 kilometres per hour.”

“Until the fire no longer poses a threat to the community, values protection is the top priority.”

Both fires are part of the Brunswick Complex burning on both sides of the Fraser River. The Ainslie Creek fire and the Anderson Creek fire are burning to the east of the river, while the 61 square kilometre Brunswick Creek fire is west of the Fraser River.

All three fires are being managed by an Incident Management Team, and both ground and aerial resources are being shared between the wildfires.

“Structural firefighters continue to maintain sprinkler systems and are actively defending structures around Boston Bar, Boston Bar First Nation and Canyon Alpine,” the BC Wildfire Service added.

The Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) has upgraded an evacuation alert for the area south of Hells Gate to north of Alexandra Lodge to an evacuation order. The previously issued evacuation order for Hells Gate and areas north is still in effect, and some evacuees were directed towards Kamloops.

The Spuzzum First Nation has also upgraded its evacuation alert for Yelakin IR 4 & 4A, Long Tunnel IR 5 & 5A to an evacuation order.

The Trans-Canada Highway remains closed in the Boston Bar area as are a number of Forest Service Roads. The RCMP’s Upper Fraser Valley Regional Detachment is urging people to stay away because of the evolving wildfire situation. Updates on the status of the highway can be found here.

“We want the public to understand that these conditions are unsafe for everyone,” RCMP Supt. Darren Pankratz said in a statement. “Our priority is protecting life and supporting emergency response efforts. RCMP officers continue to work alongside our partners to help maintain public safety and security while wildfire conditions remain active.

“It is critical that people follow evacuation instructions and stay away from affected areas.”