FVRD downgrades Boston Bar evacuation orders, residents allowed to return
Published 1:48 pm Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Several evacuation orders have been downgraded to evacuation alerts in the Boston Bar area.
According to a news release from the Fraser Valley Regional District on Wednesday (Aug. 5), the areas of Boston Bar, North Bend and Canyon Alpine, Fishblue Lake, Scuzzy Creek south of Boston Bar, and Nahatlatch and North Boothroyd are now under evacuation alerts instead of orders.
Per the release, BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) advised that risk has “sufficiently subsided” and residents can return home if they choose.
Forty-six properties remain on evacuation order in the Hells Gate, Spuzzum and south to Sawmill Creek areas, the FVRD said. The downgrade does not apply to any First Nations communities and the FVRD advises members to look to their governments for direction.
Highway 1 also remains closed for a 63.5-kilometre stretch between Toll Road and Jackass Summit.
“As the southern highway access to the area remains closed due to wildfire activity and hazardous road conditions, the only access for residents returning home will be through a northern route,” the release reads.
Emergency Support Services from the province will remain in effect until Saturday morning (Aug. 8) to allow for residents to prepare for re-entry.
Properties in the area using FVRD water remain on a boil water advisory, while private wells require testing.
A re-entry guide for residents is available at FVRD.ca/EOC, with print copies available at FVRD offices and ESS reception centres. Per the release, the Red Cross will provide cleaning kits for each household available in Boston Bar, with the specific locations to be posted on the FVRD website and Facebook pages.
Chaumox Landfill will implement special hours on Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. before returning to regular hours on Thursday (Aug. 6).
The first FVRD evacuation order was issued on July 5 due to the Brunswick Complex wildfires, with approximately 460 people evacuated across order areas.
The Brunswick Complex wildfires remain out of control, with the Brunswick Creek fire listed at 7,817 hectares and the Ainslie Creek fire listed at 40,599 hectares.
According to the latest update from BC Wildfire Service, crews will reposition structure protection where necessary as orders and alerts change and may leave some pieces of equipment installed.
In the Brunswick Complex, BCWS said smoke will continue to impact aviation support.
“Temperatures will remain above seasonal norms, with low humidity and dry conditions. Light winds will continue to fluctuate, with improved airflow developing Thursday afternoon and evening. This should help disperse smoke and improve air quality in the area,” the update reads.
Fire behaviour is expected to increase along the southeastern flank of the Brunswick Creek blaze as smoke clears, with flying conditions expected to improve by Friday.
Meanwhile, the northeast edge of the Ainslie Creek fire is currently estimated approximately 13 to 14km southwest of Highway 8. In the Fraser Canyon portion of the Ainslie Creek fire, BCWS said activity is primarily on the southern flank.
“We’re beginning to see a return to active burning, and fine fuels are once again receptive to easy ignition,” BCWS said.