Fraser Valley travellers urged to prepare for wildfire impacts over BC Day long weekend

CHILLIWACK — Fraser Valley residents planning to travel into the B.C. Interior over the BC Day long weekend are being urged to check road conditions before leaving as wildfires continue to affect major highway routes.

There are 129 active wildfires in British Columbia, with open fire prohibitions in effect throughout much of the province.

The most significant impact for Fraser Valley motorists is the continued closure of Highway 1 through the Fraser Canyon because of the Brunswick Complex wildfire. The closure extends from three kilometres south of Jackass Mountain Summit to 18 kilometres north of Yale.

The BC Wildfire Service says more fire activity is expected over the weekend because of hot, dry weather. A high pressure ridge is expected to break down on Saturday, which could bring high winds through valleys, increasing fire behaviour on the southern flank.

The Brunswick Complex, made up of the Brunswick Creek and Ainslie Creek wildfires, remains active on steep slopes where ground crews cannot safely access the fire’s edge. As of Thursday morning (July 30) the response includes 148 firefighters, 15 helicopters, including two night vision-equipped helicopter groups, 55 pieces of heavy equipment and 62 structure protection personnel. There are also 13 evacuation orders and two evacuation alerts in effect.

Travellers heading east on Highway 3 should be aware that several fires continue to burn in the Manning Complex. Although the highway remains open, crews are working to protect the corridor and motorists are asked to drive carefully. BC Parks popular Skagit Valley Park is closed because of the fires.

The BC Wildfire Service is also asking motorists on the Coquihalla Highway not to stop to photograph the Dewdney Creek wildfire, which continues to burn out of control but is not threatening Highway 5.

Officials are reminding Fraser Valley residents that all open burning, including campfires, is prohibited throughout most of southern British Columbia. Anyone who spots a wildfire is urged to report it immediately using the BC Wildfire Service app or by calling 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 from a cellphone.