B.C. wildfire triggers air-quality warning and hinders aircraft fighting blaze

BOSTON BAR — Thick smoke from a wildfire burning out of control near Boston Bar, B.C., has led to air-quality warnings and forced crews fighting the flames to restrict the use of helicopters.

An update Monday from the province’s wildfire service said poor visibility meant aircraft had to be restricted while fighting the 12-square-kilometre Brunswick Creek wildfire that has forced multiple evacuation orders and alerts after it grew by more than 10 times over the weekend.

“High winds continue to pose a risk for both responder safety, due to the increase in fire behaviour as well as potentially carrying embers farther north which can cause spot fires,” the update said.

“Poor visibility and steep terrain will limit the use of aviation resources. The safety of our crews, pilots and the public is our priority.”

The fire just north of Boston Bar forced the evacuation of at least 120 properties in the North Bend and Fishblue Lake areas of the Fraser Valley Regional District as well as from the Boothroyd Indian Band.

The update from the BC Wildfire Service said the area is expected to stay warm and dry, and while cooler temperatures are expected for the end of the week “no appreciable rain is expected in the Fraser Valley.”

The fire triggered multiple air-quality warnings.

Environment Canada said smoke is expected to reduce air quality and visibility in the Fraser Canyon between Lytton and Yale, and warned people to limit exposure by reducing strenuous outdoor activity.

Metro Vancouver Regional District issued its own air-quality warning Monday for the eastern Fraser Valley due to elevated fine particulate matter.

“This wildfire has grown in size and smoke travelled down the Fraser Canyon into the Eastern Fraser Valley overnight. Onshore flow of cleaner air is expected to help clear the air through the day,” the warning said.

The BC Wildfire Service said the fire’s growth over the weekend was driven by wind gusts reaching 50 kilometres an hour.

The latest update said elevated winds are also expected on Tuesday and Wednesday, with potential gusts up to 40 to 50 kilometres an hour.

It said eight helicopters are assigned to the fire, including two equipped with night vision, as well as nine pieces of heavy equipment.

Firefighters from Boston Bar, Popkum, Yale, and Chilliwack River are all helping in the efforts.

As of Monday afternoon, there were 19 active wildfires in B.C. including four that are listed as out of control.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 6, 2026.