On Monday, August 24, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) announced a reduction in evacuation restrictions for several communities near the Ainslie Creek wildfire. While the blaze remains out of control, its expansion has slowed significantly over the last 24 hours.
The 67,722-hectare Ainslie Creek wildfire slows its spread
The Ainslie Creek wildfire, currently burning between Highway 1 in the Fraser Canyon, Highway 8, and Highway 5,has seen its growth stall significantly. According to the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD), the fire was estimated at 67,722 hectares as of noon on Monday, August 24. This represents a minimal increase of only 15 hectares since Sunday, suggesting that the fire's momentum has been checked.
The report notes that low fire behavior occurred overnight on August 23-24, driven by high humidity and cooler temperatures. These milder conditions are expected to persist through Monday, providing a critical window for suppression crews. Heavy equipment is currently being deployed to strengthen containment lines, particularly near the northeast finger of the fire close to Highway 8, where the guard is holding well.
From 620 properties to "all clear" in Lower Nicola
The easing of fire activity has allowed for a significant downgrade in evacuation restrictions across the Thompson-Nicola region. As reported by the TNRD, 620 addressed properties in Lower Nicola, Collettville , and on Coldwater Road north of Coldwater IR 1 have been moved from evacuation alert to "all clear." This provides immediate relief to hundreds of residents who have been on standby for potential displacement.
However, the threat is not entirely gone for all neighbors. While 61 properties near Spius Creek, Petit Creek, and Prospect Creek have been downgraded to an evacuation alert, 58 properties in the Coldwater Road and Patchett Road area remain under a strict evacuation order. Additionally, 283 properties across the TNRD continue to sit under an evacuation alert, requiring residents to remain vigilant as the situation evolves.
Highway 1 remains closed near the Fraser Canyon
Transportation disruptions continue to impact the region, specifically regarding the closure of Highway 1. The highway remains shut down from the Toll Road in Yale to Aspen Road, south of Boston Bar, with no estimated date for reopening currently available. While Highways 5 and 8 remain open to all traffic, the closure of this vital artery through the Fraser Canyon complicates logistics for both residents and emergency responders.
Aviation support is currently assisting with bucketing operations, and structure protection crews are beginning to remove equipment as the immediate risk to buildings decreases. In the Anderson Creek drainage area, crews are focused on "mop up" operations to solidify control lines established during previous weeks of intense activity. Heavy equipment is also working along the Anderson Creek FSR to connect these lines where possible.
The missing timeline for Highway 1 reopening
Despite the progress in containment and the downgrade of evacuation orders, a major piece of information remains missing: the reopening date for Highway 1. The source indicates there is currently no estimated date for when this section of the road will be accessible to the public again. This leaves travelers and local businesses in a state of limbo regarding regional connectivity and the restoration of normal transit.
Furthermore, while the fire is showing minimal growth, it remains officially classified as "out of control." This classification means that while the immediate danger to specific properties has lessened, the fire still possesses the potential for sudden shifts in behavior if weather conditions change.. Residents are encouraged to check the TNRD website for interactive maps and the BC Wildfire Service for real-time updates on all provincial wildfires .
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