East Kootenay wildfire prompts evacuation alert as Brunswick Creek fire expands

Officials in British Columbia have issued an evacuation alert for 72 properties in the Premier Lake area of East Kootenay after the Lussier River fire grew on Saturday. The alert comes as the Brunswick Creek fire near Boston Bar has expanded to more than 30 square kilometres, up from about 28 square kilometres, according to the BC Wildfire Service. Fire crews have benefited from cooler weekend temperatures, but the agency says public behaviour is complicating firefighting efforts. It reported drivers speeding through the fire zone on Highway 1 and people stopping to film the response after the road reopened between Boston Bar and Jackass Summit. Officials also said a drone was seen near the Brunswick Creek fire while aerial crews were working, forcing a temporary suspension of airtanker and helicopter operations. The wildfire service warned that drones are banned in flightrestricted fire areas and that violations can bring fines and jail time. It also reminded drivers that the speed limit in the fire zone is 60 km/h and stopping is not allowed.