Evacuation orders, air-quality warnings near Boston Bar, B.C., as wildfire rages
Environment Canada has issued an air quality warning Monday for the area around Boston Bar, B.C., where a wildfire is burning for its fifth day.
The Brunswick Creek wildfire, located about 55 kilometres north of Hope, was estimated at 12.3 square kilometres (1,230 hectares) in size on Monday and was burning in steep terrain, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS).
The wildfire did not grow overnight, though the BCWS noted aviation operations have been restricted due to poor visibility and high winds, which pose a risk for responder safety and can affect air operations.
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Fire information officer Sam Bellion said embers from the fire had also sparked three new spot fires, two of which were under control while the other had grown to 73 hectares in size.
Weather conditions are also challenging.
"Relative humidity continues to drop today and smoky skies are going to prevail in the Fraser Canyon area. This area is going to stay warm and dry throughout the week," Bellion said.
"We can expect elevated winds on Tuesday and Wednesday with potential gusting of up to 40 to 50 kilometres per hour."
Smoke from the Brunswick Creek wildfire rises above the Fraser Canyon near Boston Bar, B.C. (Jody Phibbs)
While Bellion said cooler weather is expected by the end of the week, there is no "appreciable rain" in the forecast.
About 146 properties in the North Bend community and surrounding area have been under evacuation order since Saturday, and the Boothroyd Indian Band issued an evacuation order for its community, just north of Boston Bar, on Sunday.
Nearly 260 properties in Boston Bar are also under an evacuation alert, but many of them don't contain structures, according to the Fraser Valley Regional District.
Monday's air quality warning covers the Fraser Canyon south area, including North Bend, Boston Bar and Lytton.
Environment Canada says some people, including those with certain health conditions, pregnant people, young children and those 65 and older, are more likely to be negatively impacted by the smoke.
The agency suggests keeping windows and doors closed but being mindful of the heat.
Officials detected the Brunswick Creek fire on July 2 burning near the community of Boston Bar, just off Highway 1.
The BCWS's online situation page says the fire was human-caused, which is how any wildfire not sparked by lightning is categorized.
The BCWS said Sunday that high winds have resulted in extreme fire behaviour.
This article was written and published by CBC News on July 6, 2026, with files from Shaurya Kshatri.
Thumbnail image courtesy of the B.C. Wildfire Service via CBC News.