Update: Highway 1 reopens through the Fraser Canyon amid evacuation orders for Boston Bar

UPDATE 8:30 A.M. FRIDAY: DriveBC reported at 8:06 a.m. Friday morning that Highway 1 through the Fraser Canyon has reopened between Boston Bar and Lytton, B.C.

One lane is open in each direction of Highway 1. No stopping is permitted. A speed reduction is in place.

Original story below from 9:13 a.m. Thursday: 

FRASER CANYON – Highway 1 through the Fraser Canyon has now closed due to wildfire activity in the area, while evacuation orders have been issued for Boston Bar and IR 1 Tuckkwiowhum near Boston Bar.

DriveBC announced at 8:44 a.m. Thursday morning that Highway 1 is closed between Boston Bar and Lytton due to area wildfires.

The road remains open for local traffic only.

DriveBC is urging motorists to use the Coquihalla (Highway 5) or the Crowsnest (Highway 3) as alternate routes.

In the meantime, the Fraser Valley Regional District has issued an evacuation order for the area of Boston Bar due to the ongoing wildfire risk from the Brunswick Creek (V10742) and Ainslie Creek (V10755) wildfires. Residents must leave the designated area immediately.

Wildfire suppression efforts. (Image Credit: BC Wildfire Service.)

Similarly, Boston Bar First Nation has issued an evacuation order for Indian Reserve 1 Tuckkwiowhum, effective immediately.

As of Thursday morning, July 16, the Ainslie Creek wildfire east of Highway 1 is estimated at 16,197 hectares, while the Brunswick Creek wildfire west of Highway 1 is 3,194 hectares.