Kamloops NewsAinslie Creek fire continues eastward push as crews brace for gusty winds near MerrittFirefighters face gusty windsPhoto: Deb Williams A Castanet reader snapped this photo of the Brunswick wildfire complex from Hope on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026. Gusty winds and possible thunderstorms could complicate firefighting efforts Tuesday on the Ainslie Creek wildfire, which has been steadily marching east toward Merritt and the Coquihalla Highway. The forecast comes after another day of eastward growth on the 54,131-hectare Ainslie Creek wildfire, which remains out of control. Crews have been building and strengthening control lines on the northeast and southeast flanks, while structure-protection personnel have been working near homes east of the fire. A total of 236 firefighters, 19 helicopters, 59 pieces of heavy equipment and 76 structure-protection personnel were assigned to the fires as of Monday.