More evacuation alerts and orders lifted as crews battle Ainslie Creek wildfire

Environment Canada’s forecast is predicting lower temperatures, higher humidity and a chance of some rain through the remainder of the week, which could help firefighters combating the blaze if the weather materializes.

“Warm temperatures and lower minimum relative humidity will continue to allow moderate fire behaviour [on Thursday, Aug. 27],” said the BCWS.

“An increase in smoke is noticeable in valleys, on Highway 5, and south of the Fraser Canyon. Areas in the interior of the fire continue to burn, but no major challenges to existing control lines happened.”

In the southeastern part of the fire — south of Spius Creek — firefighters are maintaining a strong foothold along Maka Creek against the flames.

“In the Spius Creek area crews continue direct attack on the fire. Machine guard is almost wrapped around this area supported by ground crews,” said the BCWS. “The Maka Creek guard continues to hold well with no major excursions across the line.”

The fire is most active in the south — towards Anderson Creek drainage in the Fraser Canyon — where BCWS crews are holding a guard line near Guilt Creek.

“Since the planned ignition on Aug. 19, the Guilt Creek guard has continued to hold well, and crews will continue to mop up around the ignition area to secure the control line,” said the BCWS.

The increase in activity in the region comes from local weather conditions.

“An increase in fire behaviour behind control lines in Anderson Creek continues to occur with hot and dry conditions,” said the BCWS. “A new lightning caused wildfire was detected by aerial operations and immediately actioned by helicopter bucketing. Aviation resources will continue to action this new small fire as required. If ground crews are required, they will respond to this fire from the Brunswick Complex.”

The Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) rescinded its evacuation orders for areas south of the Brunswick Complex, including Hells Gate and south to Alexandra Bridge, allowing residents to return home after being evacuated on July 21, 23, and Aug. 1.

“The Brunswick Creek wildfire is still considered out of control however BC Wildfire advises the risk to life and property has sufficiently subsided and residents may return home if they choose to,” said the FVRD. “First Nations affected by this Evacuation Order cancellation should look to their government for direction.”

Highway 1 through the Fraser Canyon fully reopened, except for single-lane-alternating traffic for two kilometers at Alexandra Tunnel.

by Elora McCormack

More evacuation alerts and orders lifted as crews battle Ainslie Creek wildfire

Our Community