Night-vision helicopters surge as Boston Bar wildfire spreads

Helicopters with night vision to bucket wildfire near Boston Bar overnight Choppers over fire tonight UPDATE 8:55 p.m. Two new fires have sparked near the Brunswick Creek wildfire burning in the Fraser Canyon. The BC Wildfire Service said crews and aircraft assigned to the wildfire of note north of Boston Bar also worked on the two smaller fires further north along the canyon. “Air tankers supported our crews on the ground this afternoon and currently 3 helicopters are assisting with bucketing operations. Crews and resources

are currently being shared between these 3 incidents,” said BCWS in an evening update. The two new fires were discovered on Saturday. One is approximately 3 hectares in size, while the other is about 3,000 square metres. As of 5:46 p.m, the Brunswick Creek fire covered approximately 12.3 square kilometres and was burning out of control. ​The Fraser Valley Regional District issued an evacuation order for North Bend and adjacent properties on the west side of the Fraser River Saturday night, and an alert is

in place for the Boston Bar area. The Boothroyd Indian Band has also issued an evacuation order. ​BCWS said two groups of helicopters equipped with night vision worked to bucket and detect new starts on Saturday night and will do so again tonight. UPDATE: 4:13 p.m. The Brunswick Creek wildfire near Boston Bar has ballooned in size to 1,230 hectares, up from the previous estimated size of 100 hectares on Saturday. BC Wildfire Service said the out-of-control fire saw significant overnight growth after strong winds

caused an increase in fire behaviour yesterday, and crews were working to get an updated mapping of the blaze Sunday. Environment Canada has issued an air quality advisory for the Fraser Canyon, which states smoke is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility in the region. “Exposure to smoke can affect your health. Postpone or reduce strenuous outdoor activities until the warning has ended,” the advisory reads. Evacuation orders have been issued by the Fraser Valley Regional District for North Bend and adjacent properties on

the west side of the Fraser River and by the Boothroyd Indian Band. An evacuation alert is in place for the Boston Bar area, as well. Highway 1 near Boston Bar remains open. The wildfire has closed Chaumox Road on the west side of the Fraser River. The fire is now considered a wildfire of note, meaning the incident has created an increased level of interest. PDATE: 10:40 a.m. The BC Wildfire Service says there was “significant” growth on an out-of-control wildfire burning near the

community of Boston Bar last night. In an online update Sunday morning, the wildfire service said strong downslope winds Saturday afternoon spurred an increase in fire behaviour and caused several spot fires to spark to the north, east of Highway 1. BCWS said firefighting crews will be prioritizing the spot fires to the north of the incident and supporting structure protection. “We have seen significant overnight growth, and staff will be working to get an updated size this morning,” the update reads. “Two groups of

helicopters equipped with night vision worked to bucket and detect new starts through the night.” BCWS said it is continuing to assist the Boston Bar Fire Department and is responding with three initial attack crews, two unit crews and two response officers, as well as helicopters, heavy equipment and structure protection personnel. The wildfire service said poor visibility and steep terrain will limit the use of aviation resources. Crews on Saturday worked along the north and south flanks of the fire, with heavy equipment working

on guard to the west of the fire. The Fraser Valley Regional District issued an evacuation order for North Bend and adjacent properties on the west side of the Fraser River Saturday night, and an alert is in place for the Boston Bar area. The Boothroyd Indian Band has also issued an evacuation order. BCWS, RCMP and local authorities conducted a tactical evacuation for properties in the area last night. Discovered on July 2, the Brunswick Creek fire was last tracked at 100 hectares and

is believed to have been sparked by human activity. ORIGINAL: 6:44 a.m. An out-of-control wildfire burning near the community of Boston Bar, B.C., has triggered an evacuation order and an accompanying alert. Officials have declared a local state of emergency and say residents in North Bend, Electoral Area A, are being told to get out now. For this tactical evacuation, locals are being advised to gather family members, pets, and essential items such as government ID. An alert in the same area has been extended

north and south of Area A, at the recommendation of the BC Wildfire Service. Discovered on July 2, the Brunswick Creek fire has since grown to 100 hectares and is believed to have been sparked by human activity. Currently, the fire is burning on the west side of the Fraser River, and the Wildfire Service says it expects the blaze will continue to grow. – The Canadian Press

Boston Bar wildfire, Brunswick Creek, night-vision helicopters, BC Wildfire Service, Fraser Canyon, evacuation order, North Bend, Boothroyd Indian Band, Highway 1, Chaumox Road, air quality advisory