Wildfire smoke has triggered air-quality warnings in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley and Fraser Canyon regions, with Environment Canada urging residents to reduce or postpone strenuous outdoor activity.
Multiple fires were burning Monday between the communities of Hope and Lytton, including an out-of-control fire near Boston Bar that has grown to cover 1,230 hectares—or 12.3 square kilometres.
The Brunswick Creek wildfire has forced the evacuation of at least 120 properties in the North Bend and Fishblue Lake areas of the Fraser Valley Regional District, as well as from the Boothroyd Indian Band.
“Fingers are crossed that things will improve,” said Chris Kloot, vice-chair of the Fraser Valley Regional District. “But at the moment it is considered an out-of-control wildfire.”
The weather office says smoke has caused reduced visibility in the area and advises residents to limit time outdoors until the warning has lifted.
“Some people are more likely to be negatively impacted by smoke,” the warning said. “This includes people with lung and heart conditions, pregnant individuals, infants and young children, people aged 65 and older, and anyone whose health is affected by a chronic condition or acute illness.”
The B.C. Wildfire Service says the fire’s recent growth was driven by high winds, which continue to pose safety risks for fire crews working to contain the blaze.
“Elevated winds are expected on Tuesday and Wednesday—that brings some potential for gusts of up to 40 to 50 km/h in the Fraser Valley,” said fire information office Sam Bellion.
“That can increase our fire behaviour, so we’ll be keeping an eye on those winds to see what happens there.”
The smoke has also hampered firefighting efforts, with poor visibility restricting the use of helicopters to battle the blaze.
“The safety of our crews, pilots and the public is our priority,” the wildfire service said in an update.
The Metro Vancouver Regional District issued its own air-quality alert for the eastern Fraser Valley due to elevated particulate matter.
“This wildfire has grown in size and smoke travelled down the Fraser Canyon into the Eastern Fraser Valley overnight,” the alert said. “Onshore flow of cleaner air is expected to help clear the air through the day.”
Environment Canada warns that indoor air can still contain high levels of smoke and potentially dangerous particulates and residents should monitor symptoms while inside.
“If your home is smoky or hot, spend time in places with cleaner, air-conditioned air such as community centres, libraries or malls,” the alert said.
Eight helicopters have been assigned to the Brunswick Creek fire, including two equipped with night vision, as well as nine pieces of heavy equipment and three ground attack crews.
There were 19 active wildfires in B.C. on Monday afternoon, including four that are considered out of control, according to the wildfire service.
With files from CTV News Vancouver’s Ben Miljure
