Banhegyi says residents don’t want to lose their homes and become what he calls “Lytton 2.0.”
The Brunswick Creek wildfire, which is believed to be caused by human activity, remains out of control after first being discovered on July 2.
The fire has since prompted four evacuation orders, two under the jurisdiction of the Fraser Valley Regional District, one for the Boothroyd Indian Band, and another for the Boston Bar First Nation, while an evacuation alert is up for Boston Bar.
BC Wildfire Service says in an update just after 3 p.m. that it expects gusty winds throughout the day.
“The fire is expected to become more active with windy conditions, especially in areas where wind and steep slopes align,” it reads.
It says that smoke from the wildfire is highly visible near Highway 1, which runs through Boston Bar.
The service says groundcrews, supported by heavy equipment and aviation resources, including helicopters, are responding to the fire.
“Groundcrews are conducting direct attack and assisting structure protection operations on the northern flank of the fire,” it says. “Groundcrews are also working with heavy equipment to create a fuel break south of the fire.”
The update says that multiple local fire departments from the region are supporting measures to protect homes.
A smaller, out-of-control fire known as the Ainslee Creek Wildfire discovered on July 4 is also burning southeast of Boston Bar with a reported size of just under 0.7 square kilometres.
Environment Canada expanded an air quality alert on Tuesday from the Fraser Canyon to the Fraser Valley and west to the Chilcotin area.
In addition to poor air quality and reduced visibility, the forecaster says those with lung and heart conditions, people who are pregnant, infants, young children and people over 65 and older may be more affected because of the smoke.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 7, 2026.
Wolfgang Depner, The Canadian Press
