Growing wildfire prompts evacuations, sends heavy smoke across south-central B.C.

A section of Highway 1 between the communities of Boston Bar and Boothroyd, British Columbia remained closed Wednesday due to out-of-control wildfires. 

The Fraser Valley Regional District, the Boston Bar First Nation and the Boothroyd Indian Band have issued evacuation orders as the Brunswick Creek Wildfire complex burns on both sides of the highway. 

The regional district also has evacuation alerts in place for several properties in the area.

The community of Boston Bar has a population of about 200 residents, though several hundred more live in the surrounding areas.

The Boothroyd Indian Band has a population of more than 300, while about 75 live on Boston Bar First Nation lands.

The B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) said in an update there are 146 firefighters battling the complex, which is made up of the Brunswick Creek Wildfire and the Ainslie Creek Wildfire. 

It said 12 helicopters are assisting ground crews, including two night-vision equipped helicopters that were helping with overnight operations. 

The service said the fire grew Tuesday because of high winds and hot, dry conditions.

As of Wednesday, the Brunswick Creek fire had grown to about 26 square kilometres, while the Ainslie Creek fire covered over 88 square kilometres.

The BCWS said much of the area has extremely steep and challenging terrain. 

BC Hydro reported scattered power outages in the area, with more than 200 than customers affected. 

Meanwhile, heavy smoke from the wildfires is covering multiple regions of southern B.C. and extending into Alberta. 

Environment Canada said air quality in most of the province remains low risk. However, it issued a high risk alert for Kamloops, advising people to consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous outdoor activities.