B.C. fire complex grows, destroys buildings and triggers wave of evacuation alerts

By the Editorial Team · Friday, July 10, 2026

A wildfire near Boston Bar, British Columbia, has grown to nearly 200 square kilometres, destroying structures including those at the Blue Lake Resort and triggering multiple evacuation orders. Strong winds continue to drive the fire’s rapid expansion, complicating firefighting efforts as crews work around the clock to protect communities and prevent further damage.

A wildfire burning near Boston Bar, British Columbia, has expanded to nearly 200 square kilometres, destroying multiple structures and prompting a series of evacuation alerts and orders. The blaze, known as the Brunswick Complex, intensified rapidly due to strong winds, officials said, posing significant challenges for firefighting efforts.

The fire surged through the Blue Lake Resort on Tuesday night, according to owner Shayne Findlay. He described the flames as relentless, with burning embers falling like “pieces the size of your fist,” igniting structures including the home of the resort manager. While sprinklers set up by structure protection crews helped safeguard some buildings, including the main lodge, others were reduced to charred ruins. Findlay documented the destruction via a webcam and video posted online, sharing striking images of burnt trees with flames still smoldering inside.

The resort had urged approximately 250 guests to evacuate on Sunday, two days before the fire reached the property. In the aftermath, Findlay expressed a mixture of disbelief and resilience, emphasizing that despite the loss, the lake remains intact, and the community is determined to rebuild.

The B.C. Wildfire Service confirmed that the fire’s rapid growth was driven by strong, gusty winds, causing what an information officer termed “explosive” expansion of flames burning on both sides of the Fraser River. The Fraser Valley Regional District upgraded evacuation alerts to mandatory orders overnight for about 40 properties, while the Thompson-Nicola Regional District issued alerts for around 61 properties near Prospect Creek, warning residents to prepare for imminent evacuation. Additional evacuation measures remain in place across the Fraser Canyon area as the fire continues its advance.

Tyrell Williams, coordinator of the Shxwhay Village evacuation reception centre in Chilliwack, expressed concern for Indigenous elders forced to leave their homes but noted that the centre remains open to anyone affected by the fires. She reported that about 14 families had checked in on Wednesday and highlighted community efforts to support evacuees, including a dinner organized to help uplift spirits during this difficult time.

The small community of Boston Bar, which has a population of 166, is currently under an evacuation alert as residents monitor the advancing flames on both sides of the Fraser River. Local resident Amanda Hagen reported seeing the night-time glow of the nearby Ainslie Creek fire to the north, with the Brunswick Creek fire moving downslope toward the river. The broader region’s population numbers several hundred.

Firefighting operations have shifted to a 24-hour schedule, with crews fully resourced but facing challenging conditions, including a forecast that offers no relief in the form of rain. Officials caution that the fire fight will likely become more difficult in the coming days as they work to contain the blaze and protect affected communities.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.