RCMP investigating as Squamish, B.C., wildfire doubles in size

An out-of-control wildfire near Squamish has nearly tripled in size since it was first discovered Monday afternoon.

A wildfire tearing through the forests of Squamish, B.C., has grown to cover more than 50 hectares, resulting in the evacuation of the nearby Alice Lake Provincial Park.

In an update just before 10 p.m. on Wednesday, the Squamish District said the increased wind activity over the afternoon had caused growth along the north flank of the blaze, and it was now estimated to measure 54 hectares in size.

Following recommendations from the BC Wildfire Service and Squamish Fire Rescue, BC Parks placed the popular hiking and camping spot under evacuation order Wednesday afternoon.

“In the interest of public safety, all visitors should evacuate the park immediately and remain out of the area until further notice,” BC Parks said in an advisory published on its website.

According to the district, the Dryden Creek fire had not yet reached the park but its smoke and predicted movement was enough to warrant its closure.

“While the fire is not currently threatening park facilities, ongoing fire growth towards access routes and reduced visibility prompted the recommendation,” it said.

The five helicopters tasked with tackling the blaze remained on site throughout Wednesday, filling buckets with water from Alice Lake in a bid to quell the flames. Additional support was provided by air tankers during the afternoon, the district said.

Speaking to media on Wednesday afternoon, Marc Simpson, Pemberton wildfire officer for the BC Wildfire Service, said tackling the north flank of the fire would be crews’ next challenge and it could prove difficult due to the area’s steep, inaccessible cliffs.

“It will be a multi-week process for some of these areas where our crews cannot access,” he said.

The district advised motorists travelling through the area to expect reduced visibility on Highway 99 at the north end of the municipality.

Residents have been asked to conserve water to support the fire suppression efforts, while the public have been advised to stay clear of the area, especially the hiking trails close to the wildfire.

A local state of emergency that was declared on Tuesday remains in place, as does a campfire ban, and an evacuation alert placed for around 200 homes in the Brackendale, Tantalus Road, and Skyridge areas east of Highway 99.

As the threat of evacuation lingers, roads have been blocked to ensure a swift escape should residents need to leave. For some, dangerous wildfire in the community had never been a question of if, but when.

“I’ve been wondering all the time I’ve lived here when this is going to happen,” said life-long resident Edward Eckersley

“We’re all loaded up. My car’s loaded up. When are we going to be able to unload them? You never know.”

The fire, believed to be human-caused, broke out Monday afternoon on the grassy hillside between Dowad Drive and Depot Road. Within just a few hours it had spread to cover five hectares of land, and had grown to 20.2 hectares in size by Wednesday morning.

Squamish RCMP have launched an investigation into the cause and are calling on the public to come forward with any information they believe may be relevant.

According to a statement, Mounties were first notified of the wildfire around 5:30 p.m. and believe it started around an hour and a half earlier on a bike trail at the end of Tantalus Road.

“We believe there were individuals on the trail around the time the fire started who may have information,” said Sgt. Gareth Bradley in the statement.

“We encourage anyone who was out walking or hiking in the area to contact police, even if you think what you saw isn’t important. Sometimes the smallest detail can make a big difference.”

Anyone who was in the area at the time or who may have information relating to the blaze are asked to contact Squamish RCMP at 604-892-6100.

With files from CTV News reporter Martin MacMahon