Signal Hill blaze stabilized, but province-wide fire risk remains
The wildfire burning near Pemberton has been downgraded to "being held", signalling crews expect it to remain within current control lines. The Signal Hill fire, discovered on July 15 north of Whistler, is mapped at just under 1 square kilometre, according to the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS). The Village of Pemberton has lifted its evacuation alert, citing reduced risk to life and safety. An evacuation order for an area south of the community remains in place to facilitate suppression efforts.
Despite that local improvement, more than 100 active wildfires continue to burn across British Columbia, and provincial officials warn that persistently dry, warm conditions are priming the landscape for new ignitions.
Air quality to deteriorate as smoke builds
Environment Canada is advising British Columbians to prepare for a period of poor air quality as wildfire smoke drifts and concentrates in parts of the province. Conditions will vary by region and are subject to change with wind and temperature patterns.
- Smoky skies are possible even in areas distant from active fires.
- Residents should monitor Air Quality Health Index forecasts and local advisories.
- Communities downwind of large fires in the Fraser Canyon and Southern Interior may see the most pronounced impacts.
Fraser Canyon still under pressure
While crews made gains near Pemberton, several Interior fires remain volatile. In the Boston Bar area, the Ainslie Creek and Brunswick Creek wildfires are still classified as out of control. Current size estimates list Ainslie Creek at roughly 160 square kilometres and Brunswick Creek at about 40 square kilometres. Evacuation orders remain in effect for Boston Bar and neighbouring parts of the Fraser Canyon.
Across B.C., BCWS reported 107 active wildfires on Sunday, with 48 currently out of control. Approximately 770 wildland firefighters were deployed on the fire lines provincewide.
Evacuations and supports by the numbers
Provincial agencies report that hundreds of residents remain displaced while alerts and orders shift with changing conditions. The latest snapshot includes evacuees, properties affected by orders and alerts, and regional district actions tied to specific incidents.
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Active wildfires (provincewide) | 107 |
| Out-of-control fires | 48 |
| Firefighters deployed | 770 |
| Evacuees receiving support | 401 |
| Properties under evacuation order | ~580 |
| Properties on evacuation alert | ~1,800 |
In the Thompson–Nicola Regional District, authorities rescinded an evacuation alert for 12 properties along Green Lake northeast of 70 Mile House. The district still lists two evacuation orders, including one tied to the Fiftynine Creek wildfire that affects 131 properties, alongside four alerts.
The Fraser Valley Regional District, which includes Boston Bar, has issued four evacuation orders. The Cariboo Regional District notes one evacuation order and two alerts within its boundaries.
What residents should know
Authorities emphasize that changing winds and forecast heat can rapidly alter conditions. Residents in at-risk areas should stay connected to official channels, ensure they can leave on short notice if under alert, and be prepared to comply with evacuation orders when issued. For those outside fire zones, smoke can still move in quickly; those with respiratory sensitivities should monitor local advisories and plan accordingly.
For the most current information, check:
- BC Wildfire Service (current incidents, evacuation information)
- Regional district websites for orders and alerts
- Environment Canada’s Air Quality Health Index for local conditions
Even as the Signal Hill perimeter near Pemberton holds, the broader provincial wildfire picture remains dynamic. Crews are prioritizing life and safety as they confront the most active areas in the Southern Interior and Fraser Canyon, while smoke-driven air quality concerns extend the impact to communities well beyond the fire lines.
