Ainslie Creek wildfire grows to nearly 8,816 hectares prompting evacuations

A wildfire burning near Boston Bar has expanded significantly, reaching an estimated 8,816 hectares. This surge marks a sharp increase from the 700 hectares recorded on Tuesday. The blaze, known as the Ainslie Creek fire, is situated on the east side of the Fraser Canyon north of Boston Bar. It is burning across the canyon from the Brunswick Creek wildfire, which is now estimated at 2,594 hectares.

The BC Wildfire Service reported that hot, dry, and windy conditions on Tuesday drove elevated fire behaviour. Prevailing winds pushed the Ainslie Creek fire to the north and east, creating a large smoke column visible throughout the afternoon. While cooler temperatures are expected briefly by the end of the week, officials have noted that there is no significant rain in the immediate forecast. Sam Bellion, a fire information officer, previously indicated that the area is expected to remain warm and dry, with potential wind gusts ranging between 40 and 50 kilometres per hour.

Media additions

The BC Wildfire Service is managing the response with 160 firefighters, 12 helicopters, 23 pieces of heavy equipment, and 58 structural protection personnel. Ground crews have been working to triage areas of concern, while helicopters equipped with night-vision capabilities have been deployed to monitor and suppress fire activity overnight. Local fire departments are also assisting with structure protection efforts for identified properties in the path of the flames.

Evacuations and Regional Impact

The fire activity has necessitated several evacuation orders and alerts. On Tuesday night, an evacuation order was expanded to include the Canyon Alpine area north of the Brunswick Creek fire. These measures add to previous orders issued for the North Bend community and the Boothroyd Indian Band. According to the Fraser Valley Regional District, nearly 260 properties in Boston Bar remain under an evacuation alert, though many of these properties do not contain structures. Highway 1 was closed near Boston Bar on Tuesday afternoon and remained closed as of Wednesday morning.

A new blaze was detected on the morning of Wednesday in the Prospect Creek area, located roughly 12 kilometres northeast of the Ainslie Creek fire and approximately 30 kilometres west of Merritt. The Brunswick Creek fire, which was first discovered on July 2, and the Ainslie Creek fire, detected on July 4, have contributed to hazardous air quality across the Southern Interior. Environment Canada has issued air quality alerts for large portions of the Thompson area and the Fraser Canyon.

Community Response

Boston Bar’s school has been converted into an operational base for wildfire crews, providing tenting space, kitchen facilities, and showers. Balan Moorthy, superintendent of the Fraser Cascade School District, described the site as a focal point for the community during emergencies. He noted that the school previously served as a primary supply drop-off point for helicopters during flooding in late 2021.

"This community will also rally around each other to make sure that they protect each other as they move through this encroaching environmental tragedy."

Balan Moorthy, Superintendent of the Fraser Cascade School District

What to Watch Next

• Fire Behaviour: Continued monitoring of the Ainslie Creek, Brunswick Creek, and the newly reported Prospect Creek perimeters, particularly regarding the impact of high-wind gusts.
• Infrastructure Access: Updates on the reopening of Highway 1, which serves as a critical transport corridor through the Fraser Canyon.
• Air Quality: Further bulletins from Environment Canada as atmospheric conditions continue to move smoke across the Southern Interior.
• Strategic Protection: The ongoing triage and protection of residential and community structures by specialized wildfire personnel.

For individuals seeking updated information on alerts and localized weather patterns, official details remain available through the Environment Canada portal.