Image: Diana Wilson, used with permission, and exclusive to Fraser Valley Today.
Evacuation orders amended

FVRD downgrades evacuation orders in the Fraser Canyon, says ‘start the car’

Aug 5, 2026 | 1:17 PM

FRASER CANYON – The Fraser Valley Regional District says it has announced several changes to evacuation orders currently in place for the Fraser Canyon amid nearby wildfire activity.

In a statement, the FVRD says it has downgraded an evacuation order to an evacuation alert for the areas of North Bend, Fishblue Lake, Canyon Alpine, Nahatlatch, Boston Bar, Scuzzy Creek FSR, and south of Boston Bar at the recommendation of BC Wildfire Service.

“An Evacuation Alert could be changed to an Evacuation Order with short notice,” FVRD said. “Please be prepared for potential evacuation until all evacuation notices have been lifted for the area. While the Evacuation Order is being downgraded, areas within the Evacuation Alert remain hazardous from post-wildfire hazards and other risks. BC Wildfire Service will continue to operate in the area until the wildfire is contained, and there may be BCWS service members and helicopters active in the area.”

On its Facebook page, the FVRD’s social media post had big bold letters saying, “START THE CAR!”

“Seriously, we have a news release below for our evacuated residents from the Boston Bar area,” FVRD wrote at 1:09 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, August 5. “And we have a really good re-entry guide available with some helpful information. The guide is available in print at the ESS reception centres and here at the FVRD offices.”

Hell’s Gate and areas south of Hell’s Gate to Sawmill Creek, including Spuzzum, remain on an evacuation order. Sawmill Creek to Dogwood Valley remains on evacuation alert.

FVRD notes there is no southern highway access to the communities, since Highway 1 is closed through the Fraser Canyon. The only road access is from the north.

Travel map from the Fraser Valley Regional District. It should be noted that Highway 1 through the Fraser Canyon is currently closed. (Image Credit: FVRD.)
Travel map from the Fraser Valley Regional District. It should be noted that Highway 1 through the Fraser Canyon is currently closed. (Image Credit: FVRD.) (Image Credit: FVRD.)

FVRD says a Boil Water Advisory remains in effect; residents should do not drink, cook, or wash food or do dishes with tap water without boiling it first.

A re-entry guide with useful information for residents can be found at FVRD.ca/EOC.