A lightning storm, which tracked through the Fraser Canyon and surrounding areas on July 14, 2014, ignited wildfires that continue to burn in the Fraser Canyon, Nahatlatch River and Mahatl Creek drainages. 

The Mahatl Creek fire that began on the border of the Mahatl Creek Provincial Park and the Nahatlatch River valley has now advanced across the Nahatlatch Forest Service Road. The Nahatlatch Forest Service Road runs west from Boston Bar on the north side of the Nahatlatch River.

Until further notice the Nahatlatch Forest Service Road is closed at the west end of Nahatlatch Lake to protect public safety and to allow free access to wildfire crews. The closure is expected to be in effect for the next several days.  Developments and updates on the fire and road status will be provided if conditions change. 

The 100-hectare Mahatl Creek fire is situated in steep and rugged terrain and is presenting challenges to Wildfire Management Branch personnel in planning suppression activities. At this time modified response is being undertaken including aerial surveillance and ongoing monitoring to track fire behaviour. Wildfire Management Branch personnel are also co-ordinating and directing firefighting efforts to multiple fires within the Fraser Canyon and surrounding area.

To ensure public safety, an information kiosk has been set up on the Nahatlatch Forest Service Road at approximately the 15-kilometre mark. Personnel will be advising travellers of the current road closure as well as any changes in fire conditions that may affect the area. Travellers are urged to respect the closure and avoid the area as weather conditions and fire behaviour can change rapidly. Developments and updates on the fire and road status will be provided as conditions change.

The Coastal Fire Centre covers the area west of the height of land on the Coast Mountain Range from the U.S.-Canada border at Manning Park, including South Tweedsmuir Park in the north, the Sunshine Coast, the Lower Mainland, all of Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and Haida Gwaii.

To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.

For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, go to: http://bcwildfire.ca

 You can also follow the latest wildfire news -

• Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/BCGovFireInfo
• Facebook at http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

Report a wildfire or unattended campfire by calling 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.

Media Contacts:

Marg Drysdale
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Coastal Fire Centre
250 951-4209 (media line)
Marg.Drysdale@gov.bc.ca