Brunswick Creek wildfire smoke prompts air quality advisory for Lytton area

The fire, which is estimated to be 1,230 hectares in size, has led the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) to issue an evacuation order for North Bend. An evacuation alert is also in place for the Boston Bar area.

The Boothroyd Indian Band has also issued an evacuation order for 19 of its reserves in the Fraser Canyon.

The Brunswick Creek fire is now a wildfire of note, and BC Wildfire Service crews are working alongside the Boston Bar Fire Department to combat the blaze.

“Boston Bar Fire Department, 3 initial attack crews, 2 Unit Crews, and 2 response officers are responding, supported by aviation (6 helicopters through the day) and heavy equipment, structure protection, and two groups of helicopters equipped with night vision,” said the BCWS.

Crews from neighbouring communities are now supporting operations at the Brunswick Creek fire. That includes the Chilliwack River Valley Fire Department which has deployed a firetruck while Hope Volunteer Search and Rescue helped deliver evacuation notices to affected residents last night.

The BCWS said fire behaviour increased on Saturday due to strong downslope winds gusting at 40 to 50 kilometres per hour.

“The wind resulted in several spot fires to the North of the incident which BC Wildfire Service is also responding to. This includes V10755, and V10753,” said BCWS officials.

Smoke has also impacting visibly for firefighting crews.

“Poor visibility and steep terrain will limit the use of aviation resources. The safety of our crews, pilots and the public is our first priority,” said the BCWS.

“Smoke has been highly visible to the public in the vicinity of Highway 1, including into the Merritt area.”

The suspected human-caused fire has led to the closure of Chaumox Road, but is not expected to impact the Trans-Canada Highway, which is on the opposite bank of the Fraser River.

by Elora McCormack

Brunswick Creek wildfire smoke prompts air quality advisory for Lytton area

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