BCWS crews work to prevent Brunswick wildfires from spreading east toward Merritt

UPDATE: 9:16 a.m. Wildland firefighters are planning to conduct "heavy helicopter bucketing" on Tuesday to prevent an out-of-control blaze near Boston Bar from moving east toward Merritt through terrain that is inaccessible to ground crews.

BCWS crews work to prevent Brunswick wildfires from spreading east toward Merritt Choppers work near Merritt UPDATE: 9:16 a.m. Wildland firefighters are planning to conduct "heavy helicopter bucketing" on Tuesday to prevent an out-of-control blaze near Boston Bar from moving east toward Merritt through terrain that is inaccessible to ground crews. The 19,000-hectare Brunswick complex, which consists of the Brunswick Creek and Ainslie Creek wildfires, has already triggered evacuation orders and alerts for hundreds of homes in the region, about 20 kilometres south of Lytton on Highway 1.

While temperatures are increasing and humidity levels are dropping, the BC Wildfire Service said the forecast also calls for lighter winds that may aid the fight against the flames. But the agency warns that forest fuels in the area remain dry and are susceptible to increased fire behaviour if there's a short stretch of hot, dry weather. “Ground crews are making good progress with mop up and patrol operations in the vicinity of the community of Boothroyd to the north,” BCWS said in its latest update on the fires.

The wildfire service adds that the efforts to prevent the blaze from moving east coincide with crews assessing the need for structure protection along the Highway 8 corridor linking Merritt to Spences Bridge. An evacuation alert covering 61 properties near Merritt remains in effect, issued by the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, while the Nooaitch Indian Band also told residents of its main reserve to get ready to leave on short notice last week. Adam Hart, emergency program coordinator with the City of Merritt, said on Monday there was still a "large buffer area" between the city and perimeter of the Ainslie Creek blaze, but officials were monitoring the situation.

Multiple evacuation orders and alerts are in place due to the Brunswick Complex. Click here for more information about which properties are impacted. There are approximately 23 active wildfires in B.C., with six listed as out of control.

— The Canadian Press UPDATE: 8:27 a.m. The Fraser Canyon is forecast to bake under 35 C heat on Tuesday, conditions expected to further challenge crews battling the sprawling Brunswick wildfires near Boston Bar.

The Brunswick Complex is made up of the Brunswick Creek and Ainslie Creek wildfires burning on opposite sides of the Fraser River near Boston Bar, about 20 kilometres south of Lytton. Together, the fires cover roughly 19,000 hectares. Environment Canada is forecasting lots of sun Tuesday in Boston Bar, with temperatures climbing to a high of 35 C by late afternoon.

South winds are expected to increase to 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h, beginning around noon and no precipitation is forecast. The overnight outlook offers little relief, with temperatures expected to fall to only about 18 C before another warm day begins. Environment Canada is calling for a high of 37 C in Boston Bar on Wednesday.

The forecast follows a warning from the BC Wildfire Service that a ridge of high pressure is expected to bring hotter, drier conditions. Officials have said relative humidity is expected to plummet, making already dry forest fuels more susceptible to increased fire behaviour despite generally lighter winds. Highway 1 is open through the area, but drivers are not allowed to stop in the fire zone.

Multiple evacuation orders and alerts are in place due to the Brunswick Complex. Click here for more information about which properties are impacted. ORIGINAL STORY: 8:02 a.m.

Hotter, drier weather is expected to increase fire activity on the Brunswick wildfire complex in coming days as crews continue working to protect communities and the infrastructure that connects them. In the most recent update on Monday, the BC Wildfire Service said temperatures are forecast to climb into the high 20s and low 30s this week, with humidity dropping into the teens through at least Wednesday. While lighter winds are expected, dry forest fuels mean fire behaviour is likely to increase.

The Brunswick Complex is made up of the Brunswick Creek and Ainslie Creek wildfires, burning on either side of the Fraser River in the Fraser Canyon near Boston Bar, about 20 kilometres south of Lytton. The fires cover a combined area of about 19,000 hectares. On Monday, crews remained focused on mopping up hot spots, protecting structures and strengthening containment lines in the Fraser Zone.

BCWS said the burn scar from the 2023 Kookipi Creek fire is helping slow growth to the north. In the Merritt Zone, crews continue to mop up hot spots and remove dangerous trees above the Hooshum Forest Service Road. Others are establishing hose lines along the fire’s northeast perimeter.

“This region has very steep and at times unworkable terrain,” the wildfire service said. “Heavy equipment resources and a line locator are establishing contingency lines and access to the fire’s edge.” Structure protection teams and night-vision-equipped helicopters are working across the complex.

Motorists travelling along Highway 1 should expect ongoing lane closures and traffic interruptions. Drivers are urged to check DriveBC before travelling, obey posted speed limits and avoid stopping in wildfire zones. Officials are also reminding the public that flying drones near active wildfires is illegal and can interfere with firefighting efforts, potentially resulting in fines or imprisonment.

Some recreation sites, trails and Nahatlatch Park remain closed due to wildfire activity. Multiple evacuation orders and alerts are in place due to the Brunswick Complex. Click here for more information about which properties are impacted.

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