Firefighters Gain Ground on Dryden Creek Fire
In a significant turn of events, firefighters in British Columbia have made notable progress against the Dryden Creek wildfire near Squamish, thanks to favorable weather conditions over the weekend. The BC Wildfire Service reported that the fire, which previously forced the evacuation of Alice Lake Provincial Park and triggered a local state of emergency, is now classified as 'being held' as of June 13. This status indicates that the fire is no longer burning out of control and is expected to remain within its current perimeter with the resources available.
The District of Squamish has been actively updating the situation, noting that the Dryden Creek wildfire saw minimal growth recently, with its size revised to 59.5 hectares due to improved visibility and accurate aerial mapping. Crews have been focusing on the southern and southwestern flanks, making strong progress, while aviation resources have concentrated on heavy bucketing along the northern perimeter to prevent further spread. The south perimeter, closest to evacuation alert zones, remains the primary focus for suppression efforts.
Weather Conditions Aid Suppression Efforts
Cooler temperatures and cloudy skies over the weekend played a crucial role in reducing fire behavior, allowing crews to gain the upper hand. The BC Wildfire Service highlighted that these conditions have decreased the intensity of the fire, providing a window for more effective suppression tactics. Forecasts indicate that cool and damp weather will persist, with rain expected on Wednesday, which should further assist in controlling hotspots and preventing flare-ups.
In addition to ground crews, air support has been instrumental in these efforts. The use of helicopters for water drops along the northern edges of the fire has helped contain its spread, especially in areas where terrain previously made access challenging. The District of Squamish Emergency Operations Centre, in collaboration with Squamish Fire Rescue, has rescinded most evacuation alerts, though one alert remains in effect for properties on Dryden Road east, ensuring that residents in the immediate vicinity stay prepared for any changes.
Community Impact and Ongoing Vigilance
The impact of the Dryden Creek wildfire on the Squamish community has been significant, with initial evacuation orders and alerts disrupting daily life. The fire, believed to have started around 4 p.m. on June 9 on a bike trail at the end of Tantalus Road, prompted a swift response from local authorities. The RCMP is currently seeking information on how the blaze began, urging anyone with details to come forward to aid in their investigation.
While thousands forced to evacuate in other regions like Manitoba and Saskatchewan have been able to return home, the focus in British Columbia remains on ensuring that all hotspots are fully extinguished. The combination of cooler weather and strategic firefighting efforts offers hope that the situation will continue to stabilize. However, officials emphasize the importance of remaining vigilant, as changing weather patterns or unexpected fire behavior could still pose risks. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through updates from the District of Squamish and the BC Wildfire Service as suppression efforts continue.