Structures lost as Fraser Canyon wildfires close Highway 1

Crews are continuing to battle two fastmoving wildfires in British Columbia’s Fraser Canyon, where strong winds and hot weather are expected to make conditions worse in the coming days. Officials said the Brunswick Creek and Ainslie Creek fires have affected Highway 1, rail lines, BC Hydro infrastructure and nearby communities including North Bend, Alpine, Boothroyd and the Nahatlatch Valley. Highway 1 and Chaumox Road near Boston Bar remained closed on Thursday. The Brunswick Creek fire, which began on July 2, was estimated at 2,623.2 hectares and had led to seven evacuation orders and two evacuation alerts. The larger Ainslie Creek fire, which started on July 4, was estimated at 16,987 hectares. Fire officials said multiple structures were destroyed in the area, including buildings at Blue Lake Resort north of Boothroyd.