© BC Wildfire Service

The B.C. Wildfire Service says a large column of smoke could be seen on Tuesday as hot, windy conditions increased fire behaviour at two wildfires burning in the Fraser Canyon. The Brunswick Creek wildfire is located on the west side of the Fraser River. Ainslie Creek, sparked by embers from the Brunswick blaze, is burning an estimated 695 hectares across the river to the northeast. “Hot, dry weather and windy conditions drove elevated fire behaviour and fire growth today. Wind and elevated fire behaviour are anticipated into this evening,” BCWS said. A thick blanket of smoke from the fires and falling ash blew into Kamloops on Tuesday evening. Air quality advisories have been issued. As of Tuesday afternoon, BCWS estimated the larger Brunswick Creek wildfire has now burned 1,800 hectares. …firefighters are working to prevent the wildfire from affecting nearby communities and the Trans-Canada Highway corridor, which was closed to traffic Tuesday afternoon.

Related coverage in CFJC Today: Smoke from distant fire darkens Kamloops sky to eerie hue