Wildfires near Boston Bar prompt evacuation orders across B.C.

Fire crews in British Columbia are preparing for difficult conditions near Boston Bar as hot, dry weather and gusty winds are expected to intensify wildfire activity in the Fraser Canyon. The Boston Bar complex includes the Brunswick Creek, Ainslie Creek and Anderson Creek fires, which have grown rapidly and may merge, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service. Officials say some evacuation routes remain open, but many nearby communities are effectively surrounded by fire. Evacuation orders are in place, Highway 1 remains closed between Spuzzum Creek Road and Jackass Summit, and drivers are being advised to use Highway 5 instead. Provincial officials said about 640 properties were under evacuation order and roughly 6,600 were under alert across B.C. as of Thursday morning, with additional warnings in several regional districts.