Janice Kuester - Spuzzum First Nation

08/25/2026

08/24/2026

WELCOME HOME SPUZZUM FIRST NATION MEMBERS

A heartfelt thank you to everyone for your patience, strength, and support during the recent evacuation. We are grateful to be home together.

HIGHWAY IS OPEN TO THE ALEXANDRA BRIDGE.

COMMUNITY LUNCH tomorrow Tuesday August 25th 2026 AT 12:00 PM Join us for a community lunch as we celebrate being home and recognize the hard work of BCWS and all those who supported our community during the fire.
We have invited BCWS and any local firefighters in the area to join us as well to celebrate together.

LUNCH CATERED BY:
ORANGE BLOSSOM BISTRO

WELCOME HOME FOOD BASKETS
ONE FOOD BASKET WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR EACH HOUSEHOLD.

Please connect with Crystal to let her know when you will be home so arrangements can be made.

CLEANING KITS
We are expecting a shipment of cleaning kits from the Canadian Red Cross.
THEY WILL BE HERE WEDNESDAY.
More details to follow as soon as they arrive.

NEED A RIDE HOME?
Please connect with Crystal at
604-860-5039 to arrange transportation.

Let's come together, enjoy good food, and celebrate our safe return home.

Thank you,
Spuzzum

08/24/2026

08/23/2026

LATEST UPDATE

• Structure Protection Units (SPUs) have been removed from all buildings on the west side of the Fraser River.

• Structures on the east side of the Fraser River still have SPUs in place.
At this time, we are waiting for all relevant parties to come together so that informed recommendations can be made regarding the potential downgrade of Evacuation Orders to Evacuation Alerts for properties east of the Fraser.

• We understand how much community members are looking forward to returning home. Once Evacuation Orders are downgraded, please begin making any necessary preparations for a safe and smooth return.

• Please contact Crystal at 604-860-5039 for planning purposes if you need a ride back to Spuzzum or have any other questions regarding returning home.

• Security: Security will remain in place within the community at this time.

• Highway 1: Highway 1 closures and access restrictions remain in effect.
Community members are asked to continue respecting all road closures and access controls.

08/22/2026

LATEST UPDATE

• BC Wildfire Service has advised that, based on current fire conditions and operational needs, the removal of some Structure Protection Units (SPUs) will begin this evening.

• Based on current conditions, recommendations are anticipated tomorrow regarding the potential downgrade of the Evacuation Order to an Evacuation Alert for some areas of Spuzzum. Any change to the current evacuation status will only occur
following an official recommendation and decision. Spuzzum First Nation will provide an update as soon as
further information is confirmed.

• Security will remain in place within the community at this time.

• Highway 1 closures and access restrictions remain in effect. Community members are asked to continue respecting all road closures and access controls.

IMPORTANT - EVACUATION ORDER REMAINS IN EFFECT

All areas currently under Evacuation Order remain under Evacuation Order. Community members should not return to the community until an official notice has been issued confirming a change in evacuation status.

08/22/2026

LATEST UPDATE - FROM BCWS
• Overnight conditions remained mild with very little fire activity. Some growth occurred to the southeast along Spius Creek,
where fire behaviour remained at Rank 2.

• Thunderstorms are expected this afternoon and into the evening,
bringing the potential for strong winds, lightning and patchy precipitation.

Crews will continue monitoring the fire closely as winds shift and increase. Fire behaviour may vary across the complex depending on terrain,
fuels, wind and smoke.

• Crews continue to mop up the ignition area, extinguish remaining hot spots and secure established guards. Small-scale hand ignitions may continue as
needed to remove available fuel and strengthen control lines.

• Structure protection craws remain in place 24/7, operating in three overlapping shifts to protect the community and ensure resources are
available during peak burning periods.

• Falling debris continues to pose a danger along Highway 1.

SPUZZUM UPDATE
Rain has been falling on and off in Spuzzum this afternoon.

Yale Fire Department was in the community
completing fire training with BC Wildfire

08/21/2026

LATEST UPDATE - FROM BCWS

• Overnight, fire activity was minimal across the complex, with some growth on the south flank east of Highway 1. Fire behaviour remained at Rank 2.

• Warmer, drier and windier conditions are expected today. Winds are forecast to shift from northwest to southwest this afternoon, which may increase fire activity on different portions of the fire.

• Crews continue to mop up and secure the recent ignition area, extinguishing
remaining hot spots and monitoring the control line.

• A spot fire caused by rolling debris west of the Anderson FSR continues to
be actioned and monitored by crews to prevent further spread.

• Structure protection remains in place 24/7, operating in three overlapping shifts to protect the community and support wildfire crews.

• Poor visibility and smoke may continue to limit helicopter and aviation
operations, although aircraft will be used when conditions allow.

• Falling debris continues to pose a danger along Highway 1.

08/21/2026

LATEST UPDATE
• Today crews and helicopters are actioning a spot fire created by rolling debris on a steep slope west of the Anderson FSR.
The rolling debris did cross the guard late this afternoon and the fire is backing down towards reserve lands.

• Poor visibility limited the use of aviation through the morning and early afternoon.

• Structure protection crews are operating in three overlapping shifts to ensure 24-hour coverage and maximum resource availability during peak burning hours.

• With the increase in fire behaviour falling debris poses an increased danger to Highway 1.

• Structure protection crews are in place to protect values and support wildland crews in keeping the fire from crossing Highway 1.