Brunswick Creek Wildfire
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Brunswick Creek Wildfire Grows to 1,230 Hectares as Night Air Operations Continue
July 6 2026 - The Brunswick Creek wildfire, burning across the Fraser River from Boston Bar, has grown rapidly to 1,230 hectares and remains out of control as of July 5, 2026.
High winds gusting 40–50 km/h earlier this week caused extreme fire behaviour, prompting the Fraser Valley Regional District and Boothroyd Indian Band to issue three Evacuation Orders and one Evacuation Alert for properties in the Brunswick Creek area on the west side of the Fraser River.
Tactical evacuations were carried out that evening.In a relatively new and expanding strategy for the BC Wildfire Service, two groups of night-vision equipped helicopters are playing a major role in the response.
These specially modified aircraft continued bucketing operations and hotspot detection through the night and are expected to do so again tonight.
One of the key machines involved is a Coulson Aviation Sikorsky S-61N heavy helitanker.
The aircraft has been highly active fighting wildfire in recent weeks.
Operating out of Kamloops the Sikorsky has had multiple missions into the Quesnel and Prince George areas in support of this and nearby fires. Now its helping with the Brunswik wildfire.
Night-vision helicopters allow crews to maintain pressure on the fire after dark when fire behaviour often moderates. The use of such equipment shows a significant evolution in BC wildfire aviation tactics, moving beyond traditional daylight-only operations.
Ground crews, local fire departments, initial attack and unit crews, heavy equipment, and structure protection teams continue working along the flanks and Chaumox Road.
Air tankers have also provided support.
The fire is believed to be human-caused. Strong winds and steep terrain continue to challenge crews, with smoke visible from Highway 1 and into the Merritt area.
Brunswick Creek Wildfire
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