Increased fire activity expected Friday on Ainslie Creek blaze
Published 7:45 am Friday, August 21, 2026
Fire behaviour increased in the Brunswick Complex on Thursday (Aug. 20), with more increased activity expected Friday (Aug. 21).
The Brunswick Complex includes the 66,557-hectare Ainslie Creek wildfire and the 9,110-hectare Brunswick Creek wildfire. Both fires remain out of control, per the latest update from BC Wildfire Service.
Warmer and drier conditions on Thursday afternoon led to increased fire behaviour for the Ainslie Creek blaze, and poor visibility in parts of the complex prevented aviation support from operating.
Wind is expected to accompany warm and dry conditions today, resulting in further increased activity, according to BCWS.
“Winds are expected to be light and out of the northwest through the morning before swinging to southwest and increasing in strength in the afternoon,” BCWS said.
Higher winds and possible thunderstorms are expected on Saturday (Aug. 22) as well.
In the eastern section of the Ainslie Creek fire, spotting occurred across Maka Creek in four locations on Wednesday (Aug. 19) – all under one hectare in size.
“Crews and helicopters immediately worked to prevent these spots from spreading, with crews continuing through the night to achieve containment. Work continued (Aug. 20) to mop up these spots,” BCWS said.
Direct attack on the fire perimeter near Spius Creek and along Maka Creek continued on Thursday, aiming to prevent growth to the north or east.
“Additional supports will be utilized, including aerial bucketing and an high-capacity pumping system along Maka Creek. The pumping system will increase access to water in the area, allowing crews to more effectively support suppression efforts and protect control lines,” BCWS said.
Near Prospect Creek Forest Service Road, crews and helicopters completed a planned ignition to remove available fuel between the fire and control lines above the Alexandra Bridge.
“This will bring the fire’s edge to a guard where it can be extinguished and reduce the risk of the fire spreading south,” the update reads.
North of Alexandra Bridge, significant debris and rock fall onto Highway 1 has continued. The highway remains closed for an approximately 39-kilometre stretch between Toll Road and Aspen Road. Drive BC advised commuters to disregard information on Google Maps about travel beterrn Lytton and Boston Bar on Highway 1 and check the Drive BC website.
Eleven evacuation orders and 17 evacuation alerts remain in effect across the Brunswick Complex.
For information about evacuation alerts and orders associated with the Brunswick complex fires, visit the TNRD’s Emergency Services dashboard, the FVRD’s Emergency Operations Centre webpage, and EmergencyInfoBC. The FVRD’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) can be reached at 1-778-704-0400. The TNRD’s EOC can be reached at 250-377-7188 (toll-free at 1-866-377-7188).