1,200 hectare wildfire burning west of Fraser Lake

The wildfire remains out-of-control and is located in steep and rocky terrain

1,200 hectare wildfire burning west of Fraser Lake Published 4:48 pm Sunday, July 12, 2026 A wildfire located 1.5 kilometres west of the Fraser River continues to grow. According to BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), the French Bar Creek fire (K70748) was first discovered on July 4 and the cause remains under investigation.

The out-of-control blaze currently spans 1,246.3 hectares. BCWS has assigned 59 firefighters, 10 helicopters and 2 pieces of heavy equipment. BCWS said that the blaze is burning upslope in steep and rocky terrain.

“The fuels are a mix of grassland in areas near the Fraser River and timber in upslope and plateau areas. The terrain, availability of water and access to the fire are posing challenges for responders,” said BCWS. It added that the situation on the north flank of the blaze is stabilizing and the firefighters are now focusing efforts on the west and northwest flanks to continue suppression along the edge of the fire.

Helicopters are also being used to bucket water on north flank and any flare ups as well as providing water for crews and transporting personnel and gear. BCWS said that fire behaviour is low as of today, July 12, burning Rank 1 and 2. However, fire behaviour may change due to heat or windy conditions.

“More smoke is likely to be observed in the following days, particularly in the afternoon and overnight periods, as winds increase and warm, dry conditions continue.”