Wildfire Threatens Squamish Communities
The District of Squamish, located north of Vancouver in British Columbia, is grappling with a rapidly escalating wildfire crisis. On June 10, a state of local emergency was declared due to the out-of-control Dryden Creek wildfire, which poses an imminent threat to residents and properties in the Brackendale, Tantalus Road, and Skyridge areas. Mayor Armand Hurford signed the declaration as the blaze, initially reported at five hectares, has grown significantly, with recent updates indicating it now spans over 59.5 hectares.
The fire, burning above homes in the Skyridge area between Dowad Drive and Depot Road east of Highway 99, has prompted expanded evacuation alerts. An alert issued on June 10 was broadened to include properties from Depot Road to Tantalus Road north of Dowad Drive and Thunderbird Creek. Alice Lake Provincial Park has also been evacuated and closed by BC Parks until further notice, underscoring the severity of the situation.
Response Efforts and Community Impact
Firefighting efforts are underway with air and ground crews from the BC Wildfire Service battling the blaze alongside Squamish Fire Rescue. Local crews are installing sprinklers to protect homes and assisting with fire suppression tactics. Despite challenging windy conditions that led to growth on the fire's north flank on June 11, containment lines on the south and southwest flanks are holding, providing some hope for limiting further spread.
Mayor Hurford noted calmer winds overnight on June 10 as a positive development, though the community remains on edge. 'We're doing everything we can to protect our residents and their homes,' Hurford stated, emphasizing the collaborative efforts between local and provincial teams. The district has also imposed a full campfire ban to prevent additional fire risks amid hot weather and prolonged drought conditions affecting much of British Columbia.
Broader Wildfire Concerns Across British Columbia
The Squamish wildfire is part of a larger trend of increasing wildfire activity across British Columbia this season. Environment Canada has warned of a heightened risk of fires over the next three months due to persistent dryness and warmer-than-normal temperatures. This forecast raises concerns for other communities in the province already dealing with similar threats.
As the Dryden Creek fire continues to burn out of control, the District of Squamish urges residents under evacuation alerts to remain prepared to leave at short notice. The situation remains fluid, with officials closely monitoring weather conditions and fire behavior to adjust response strategies accordingly. For now, the focus remains on safeguarding lives and property in this tight-knit community facing an unprecedented natural disaster.