Authorities say at least seven buildings have been destroyed by an out-of-control wildfire that has triggered several evacuation orders in the Fraser Canyon region of British Columbia.
The Brunswick Complex fires measured a combined 190 square kilometres Wednesday night as eight evacuation orders were in place covering properties in the communities of Boston Bar, Boothroyd and surrounding areas of the Fraser Valley Regional District.
Two other areas, including the Nooaitch Indian Band reserve, were under evacuation alerts.
District officials say a rapid damage assessment confirmed that seven buildings have been destroyed by fire in the Ainslie Creek area.
“Four are either residential structures or seasonal cabins,” district spokesperson Samantha Piper said in a statement Thursday morning. “Three are accessory structures or structures supporting commercial uses.”
Much of the destruction is believed to be in the area around Blue Lake Resort, roughly 15 kilometres north of Boston Bar, where leaseholders have reported the loss of uninsured cabins and other structures.
No injuries have been attributed to the fire, but officials warned the situation remains highly dangerous and all damage assessments are preliminary.
“This is an active wildfire and the situation is constantly evolving. Some areas remain unsafe to enter,” the spokesperson said. “Further damages may be reported as safe access for responders is established.”
Despite the danger, some residents have chosen to stay behind in the areas under evacuation orders.
“We are aware that residents have chosen to stay behind,” Piper said in a video statement shared by the district Wednesday. “They are at risk and should leave the area and adhere to the evacuation order.”
The B.C. Wildfire Service says there are approximately 300 firefighters battling the Brunswick Complex fires, assisted by 22 helicopters and 56 pieces of heavy machinery.
The wildfire service is warning that fire activity is expected to increase throughout the day as hot, dry weather persists across much of the province.
As of Thursday morning, there were 31 active blazes burning across B.C., including 14 started in the last 24 hours.
