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Officials in B.C.’s Fraser Canyon say a water system in Boston Bar was vandalized this week after someone opened a valve inside an area under evacuation order as wildfires continue to threaten the community.
The Fraser Valley Regional District said the system had been shut down Thursday to protect critical infrastructure and preserve water for firefighting operations.
Boston Bar was already under a boil water notice and Stage 4 water conservation measures. The regional district said crews had shut off the water system after water demand increased sharply and supply dropped.
At about 11:30 p.m. Thursday, staff received an alarm showing that water was flowing through the system again.
The regional district vice-chair Chris Kloot said someone had opened a valve incorrectly, allowing water to enter too quickly.
One of three wildfires burning near Boston Bar, B.C., can be seen in this photo taken by resident Attila Banhegyi on the night of July 21, 2026. (Submitted by Attila Banhegyi)
That created the risk of a “water hammer” — a sudden pressure surge that can cause damage to the water system.
“It’s a dynamic situation in the Fraser Canyon with the wildfire, and an act of vandalism is very concerning,” Kloot said.
He said regional district staff were made aware of the situation and were able to respond onsite by turning the water service back off at approximately 1:30 a.m. Friday.
However, Kloot said the area remains too dangerous for workers to fully inspect the system and the extent of any damage will not be known until it is safe to return.
“This incident has the potential to burden taxpayers for any cost that may be associated with repairing a system that has been vandalized,” he added. “We’re just hopeful that if there is any damage, it’s minimal.”
The regional district said the system supplies about 125 residential and commercial properties in Boston Bar. It warned that substantial repairs could result in added costs for local taxpayers.
The incident is being investigated by Hope RCMP as vandalism.
Hundreds of properties in and around Boston Bar remain under evacuation order because of the Brunswick wildfire complex.
WATCH | Boston Bar residents urged to evacuate:
Boston Bar, B.C., residents urged to evacuate, wildfires set to worsen with hot, dry conditions
Officials are urging anyone remaining in Boston Bar, B.C., to leave immediately. A new wildfire has been discovered nearby and quickly grown in size, and heat and wind are likely to make the fires worse.
But Fraser Valley Regional District says some residents are refusing to leave.
Kloot said no one should be inside the evacuation area and warned that those who remain are putting themselves and emergency personnel at risk.
“These decisions are not made lightly,” he said. “I’m still hopeful that they’ll please leave for their own safety.”
The Brunswick complex includes the Brunswick Creek, Ainslie Creek and Anderson Creek wildfires and covers more than 350 square kilometres.
The B.C. Wildfire Service said Sunday that there has been minimal fire behaviour due to cooler temperatures and cloudier conditions.
It said the Anderson Creek fire remained active where it had merged with the Ainslie Creek fire. Firefighting crews say the area’s steep terrain have made suppression work more difficult and labour-intensive.
Highway 1 remains closed between Spuzzum Creek Road and the Jackass Summit.