Squamish Wildfire Out of Control

Local state of emergency declared

Village skies are smoky today as a wildfire continues to rage near Dryden Creek at the north end of the District of Squamish.

According to the District's information page, the fire covers five hectares, with Squamish Fire Rescue working alongside the BC Wildfire Service to fight the blaze. Other agencies involved include the Squamish RCMP, Squamish Nation, BC Emergency Health Services, Provincial Emergency Operations Centre and District of Squamish Emergency Operations Centre.

Air and ground crews are on the scene. Three helicopters are in use, due to the precipitous terrain, and fixed wing aircraft have been spotted dumping retardant on the blaze.

While a crew of more than two dozen firefighters are on scene, Squamish Fire Rescue crews are assisting with fire suppression and working to set up sprinkler protection for neighbouring structures and homes.

Earlier today, District Mayor Armand Hammer declared a state of local emergency, (SOLE) which means that the District has a wider access to services from provincial agencies. The SOLE will remain in force for 14 days and then be reassessed.

Representatives of the District are encouraging local residents to sign up for Squamish Alert to keep up to date with the latest fire news.

An Evacuation Alert has been issued to properties at the east end of Depot Road, east of Highway 99 including the Depot Road campground, and properties at the end of Tantalus Road. This alert is expected to be expanded to a larger area by Tuesday evening.

Evacuation Alerts are not a requirement to evacuate, but a notice that evacuation may be required. No residents have been ordered to evacuate as yet.

The District cautions that drone use is not permitted near the fire, and that federal law states that drones are not permitted within 9.3 kilometres of a wildfire. Crews in the area are advising that drones can interfere with the efforts to fight the fire from the air.

The Watershed will continue to follow this developing story.

7:00 p.m. update: At just after 6 p.m., the District of Squamish reported that the Dryden Creek wildfire has more than doubled in size; now estimated at 14.4 hectares from just over 5 hectares earlier today. Evacuation Alerts have been extended to include properties along Tantalus Road north of Dowad Drive, and the Skyridge subdivision. The District reports 28 firefighters on scene, along with helicopter and fixed wing air support.

June 11, 11 a.m. update: The District of Squamish is reporting that this morning, the BC Fire Service has updated the size of the Dryden Creek Wildfire to 20.2 hectares, noting that firefighting efforts have held the fire to this minimal growth in size. Precautionary Evacuation Alerts have been extended to include Depot Road east of Highway 99 including the Depot Road campground, as well as the properties at the end of Tantalus Road, properties along Tantalus Road north of Dowad Drive, and the Skyridge subdivision.

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