Evacuation alerts end around Boston Bar as wildfire conditions improve, but two major fires remain out of control and hot, dry weather continues.
Residents get the all-clear
After more than a month of wildfire concerns, residents around Boston Bar, B.C., can finally breathe a little easier.
The Fraser Valley Regional District has lifted evacuation alerts for Boston Bar and nearby areas, including North Bend, Fishblue Lake and Canyon Alpine.
The move follows improving conditions around the Brunswick complex of wildfires. In turn, residents can return to normal routines, although fire crews remain busy in the area.
Two major fires are still burning
The update brings welcome news, but the wildfire threat has not disappeared.
The Brunswick Creek and Ainslie Creek fires remain out of control. Together, they cover more than 700 square kilometres.
However, crews continue to work on the fires, and residents may still notice smoke or see fire activity nearby.
The BC Wildfire Service advised the regional district before the alerts were cancelled.
Boston Bar faced weeks of danger
The small Fraser Canyon community, about 250 kilometres northeast of Vancouver, has faced a long and difficult wildfire season.
An evacuation order forced residents out of Boston Bar on July 16. Weeks later, the order was downgraded to an alert in early August.
Now, with conditions improving, that alert has been cancelled.
Still, officials are urging residents to stay aware as crews continue their work.
Highway and water warnings remain
Despite the lifted alert, some restrictions are still in place.
A section of Highway 1 south of Boston Bar remains closed. In addition, property owners who use private wells must contact Fraser Health for water testing before they use their water.
Therefore, residents should check local updates before travelling or using water from affected wells.
Lightning brings a fresh concern
Meanwhile, another wildfire risk is growing across parts of B.C.
Lightning moved through central B.C. on Tuesday night. As a result, new fires could start without being noticed right away, especially in the Northwest and Prince George fire centres.
The BC Wildfire Service says some lightning-caused fires can smoulder underground or in remote areas for days or even weeks.
Then, when hot, dry and windy weather returns, those fires can quickly become active.
Hot, dry weather continues
For now, hot and dry conditions remain across much of British Columbia.
So, while the end of the Boston Bar evacuation alert marks an important step forward, the wider wildfire season is far from over.
Residents should continue to watch for official fire updates, follow travel notices and remain ready for changing conditions.
