The Brunswick Creek wildfire near Boston Bar continued to grow exponentially on Monday, reaching approximately 12 square kilometres in the Fraser Canyon, and triggered an air quality warning for the eastern Fraser Valley. The initially small, human-caused fire was first spotted on July 2 and has since exploded in size, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service.
Evacuation Orders and Alerts
Three evacuation orders have been issued in the Boston Bar area by the Fraser Valley Regional District and the Boothroyd Indian Band. As of Monday afternoon, one evacuation alert also remains in place. Residents in affected areas have been instructed to leave immediately, while those under alert must be prepared to evacuate on short notice.
Air Quality Warning
Metro Vancouver issued a yellow air quality warning for Chilliwack, Agassiz, and Hope on Monday afternoon. The warning indicates a high health risk from particulate matter. Officials advise limiting outdoor activity, keeping indoor air clean by closing windows and doors, and seeking air-conditioned spaces if homes become smoky or hot.
“This wildfire has grown in size, and smoke travelled down the Fraser Canyon into the eastern Fraser Valley overnight,” said Metro Vancouver in the alert. “Onshore flow of cleaner air is expected to help clear the air through the day.”
Current Wildfire Situation in B.C.
As of Monday at 1 p.m., there are 22 active wildfires across British Columbia. Seven fires have ignited in the past 24 hours, while 11 have been declared out. The Brunswick Creek fire is the only one currently classified as a wildfire of note. Following a weekend of hot, dry weather, winds are expected to pick up across the province this week, and drought conditions remain a concern.
The B.C. Wildfire Service continues to monitor the situation and urges the public to exercise caution to prevent human-caused fires.
