Response continues as Fraser Canyon wildfires remain out of control

BCWS to build ‘contingency fire guard’ in Boston Bar and Canyon Alpine areas

Response continues as Fraser Canyon wildfires remain out of control Published 8:22 am Monday, July 13, 2026 BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) will be building a contingency fire guard in the Boston Bar and Canyon Alpine areas in the coming days in response to the Brunwick Complex wildfires, according to a notice from the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD). FVRD notified affected residents on Sunday (July 12) that BCWS will be building the guard “on or adjacent to your property”, beginning on Tuesday (July 14). The notice says the measure is aimed to increase community protection and reduce the risk of the fires spreading.

“The purpose of a fire guard is to create a barrier between the fire and unburned vegetation. Once a guard is established, hose lines, pumps and water delivery systems may be set up to help crews reinforce and hold the line if needed. While the guard may not be required for this fire, it could potentially protect these values in the future,” the notice reads.

Both fires in the Brunswick Complex remain out of control. According to the latest update, the Ainslie Creek fire has grown to 15,847 hectares and the Brunswick Creek fire has increased to 3,012 hectares. BCWS said between 1.8 and 3.2 millimetres of rain overnight on Saturday (July 11) and into Sunday (July 12), along with lower temperatures and higher humidity, helped moderate fire behaviours.

“However, when steep slopes and gusty wind conditions align, we are likely to see higher activity. Our forest fuels also remain dry and only require a short period of hot, dry weather to become more susceptible to increased fire behaviour,” the update reads. BCWS expects “a more seasonal warming and drying trend” on Monday (July 13).

At the Ainslie Creek fire, BCWS says the burn scar from the 2023 Kookipi Creek fire is assisting in slowing growth to the north. On the northeast flank of the blaze, crews are working to establish access through the construction of helipads and the installation of a bridge for heavy equipment. “This region has very steep and at times unworkable terrain,” BCWS said.

West of the river at the Brunswick Creek blaze, firefighters continued mop up, direct attack and patrols along the fire’s edge to protect structures and critical infrastructure over the weekend. To bring the fire to workable ground and existing containment lines, BCWS said it is using small-scale hand ignition. “The steep slopes in this area are unsafe for crews due to both slope and fire behaviour.

Ignitions are widely used in operations to remove fuel from a fire to bolster our containment in a controlled and safe manner. Ignitions must ensure the safety of personnel, the public, equipment and nearby values,” BCWS said. After a closure due to the Brunswick Complex wildfires, Highway 1 has reopened to one lane of traffic in both directions near Boston Bar.

According to Drive BC, lane closures remain in effect in both directions and stopping isn’t permitted in the wildfire zone between Boston Bar Station Road and the Jackass Mountain Summit. “We have received reports of drivers speeding and people pulling off the side of the highway to take photos and videos of our operations, putting our responders at great risk and interrupting our operations during a critical time,” BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) said in an update. “Please do not stop in the wildfire zone and follow posted speed limits.”

A speed limit of 60 km/h is in effect and Drive BC advises those in the area to watch for signage and crews. In addition to speeding drivers, a drone operating near the Brunswick Creek fire also impacted BCWS operations on Sunday (July 12). The Brunswick Creek fire was discovered on July 2 and created three “spot fires” in the following days during a period of extreme fire activity and strong winds, including the Ainslie Creek blaze .

The wildfires grew substantially over Tuesday (July 7) and Wednesday (July 8). Seven evacuation orders and three evacuation alerts are in effect due to the fires. Fraser Valley Regional District has evacuation orders in place for properties in the Nahatlatch and North Boothroyd area, North Bend and Canyon Alpine, and the Fishblue Lake area.

Boston Bar First Nation and Boothroyd Indian Band have also issued evacuation orders. On Tuesday (July 8), Nooaitch First Nations and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District issued evacuation alerts. The Brunswick Complex wildfires are suspected to be human caused and are under investigation.