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An urgent alert from the Fraser Valley Regional District orders any residents remaining in Boston Bar, B.C., to leave immediately.
It says a new wildfire that ignited south of the community is spreading quickly due to strong winds.
“You are in danger and need to evacuate now,” the district statement reads. “For your safety, residents who have remained in the community must leave now.”
The wildfire has closed Highway 1 in both directions from 3 kilometres south of Jackass Mountain Summit to 22 kilometres north of Yale.
Highway 5 is being used as an alternate route. Those evacuating Boston Bar must drive northbound on Highway 1.
Boston Bar is located in B.C.’s Fraser Canyon, about 140 kilometres northeast of Vancouver as the crow flies.
The new fire is about 300 hectares (3 square kilometers) in size and is classified by the B.C. Wildfire Service as out of control, meaning it is spreading or is anticipated to spread.
The wildfire service told CBC News it is a spot fire from the Brunswick Creek wildfire.
Last week, the Brunswick Creek wildfire complex — which includes the Brunswick Creek and Ainslie Creek wildfires that have been burning since early July — prompted evacuation orders for about 450 properties in the area.
But officials say some residents have chosen to stay behind. It’s unclear how many people defied the order.
The Fraser Valley Regional District has opened an evacuee reception centre in Kamloops at the McArthur Island Sports Centre located at 1665 Island Parkway.
More to come.
