Firefighters conduct controlled burn in Fraser Canyon as out of control wildfires exceed 20,500 ha

BOSTON BAR – Firefighters battling the two fires raging in the Fraser Canyon conducted an ignition operation over the weekend as the Brunswick Complex remains at over 20,000 hectares.

According to a weekend update from the BC Wildfire Service, crews conducted an ignition operation on the south end of the fire Sunday afternoon, between a fuel-free line constructed by crews that’s runs upslope, perpendicular to the Green Ranch Road.

During the ignition, firefighters were positioned along containment lines and helicopters bucketed along the perimeter to cool the fire’s edge.

Fraser Canyon near Boston Bar. (Image Credit: Attilya Benhegyi, used with permission.)

Crews remained on site overnight to commence mop-up operations in the burn area, supported by helicopters equipped with night vision technology, BCWS said.

“This operation was a critical step in securing the east flank of the Brunswick Creek wildfire across from Boston Bar, reducing the risk of this section of the fire growing to the south or spotting across the Fraser River,” BCWS said.

On Monday, crews will continue mop-up in this area, patrolling for hotspots and extinguishing lingering heat. Smoke will remain visible along the south flank as the fire continues to consume fuels within the perimeter.

Wildfire activity. (Image Credit: Attila Banhegyi, used with permission.)

Structure protection personnel continue to test and maintain hose and sprinkler systems while they work to remove flammable materials around structures and critical values.

Meanwhile, ground crews are constructing a contingency line upslope of Boston Bar. A contingency line is a backup containment line, built away from the fire’s edge, that gives crews a pre-established place to stop the fire if it were to spot across the Fraser River, into fuels above the community.

As of Monday morning, July 20, the Brunswick Creek wildfire west of Highway 1 in the Fraser Canyon is an estimated 4,083 hectares while the Ainslie Creek wildfire east of Highway 1 is an estimated 16,575 hectares. Over 250 firefighters, 23 helicopters, 41 pieces of heavy equipment, and 76 structure protection personnel are assigned to the Brunswick Complex.