Boston Bar-area wildfire complex estimated over 18,000 hectares Friday

BOSTON BAR — The BC Wildfire Service is looking to get a little help from cooler weather this weekend in tackling the Brunswick Complex of fires – which has now grown to a total of 18,118 hectares as of Friday morning (July 9).

“Over the next two days we will see slighty lower temperatures and higher relative humidity, however this does not represent a downturn in conditions, just a two-day slight reprieve,” wrote BCWS.

While conditions may help moderate fire behaviour, a combination of steep slopes and gusty winds could spark fire activity back up.

The agency expects winds to increase up to 60 kilometres an hour in the eastern parts of the wildfire towards the Thompson-Nicola region, though current wind direction is pushing fire away from communities.

Roughly 270 firefighters are assigned to the complex, along with 17 helicopters, 37 pieces of heavy equipment and 64 structure protection personnel.

The Canadian Press reported that some Boston Bar residents have been staying put as the fire grew, with one highway-side restaurant owner opening earlier than usual to accommodate the wildfire crews battling the blaze.

More information is available through the BC Wildfire Service website.