Evacuation alert issued as crews continue to battle Squamish, B.C., wildfire

As crews fight an out-of-control wildfire, residents in dozens of properties in Squamish have been put on evacuation alert.

The District of Squamish has placed a number of properties under an evacuation alert after a wildfire broke out in the area Monday.

The alert, which covers homes in the Brackendale, Tantalus Road, and Skyridge areas east of Highway 99, was expanded later Tuesday.

In a statement released late Monday night, the district said it was issuing an alert out of an “abundance of caution” and under guidance of the BC Wildfire Service.

“This is not a requirement to evacuate, but notice that evacuation may be required,” the statement said.

The district declared a state of local emergency Tuesday morning, noting the fire poses an “existing or imminent threat to people and property” in Brackendale, Tantalus Road and Skyridge. A state of emergency gives the local government authority to order evacuations if needed.

Nearby resident Reuben Krabbe said he has concerns over the safety of his home, especially given the recent weather.

“The conditions in Squamish have been quite dry recently when I’ve been out mountain biking. I’ve always been worried, because we don’t have a fire guard in the community,” he said.

“It’s scary knowing that my house borders on the forest as well, and any of our houses sort of feel really vulnerable right now.”

If the alert progresses into an evacuation order, officials will go door to door to the homes to ensure they have been cleared, the district said.

The blaze erupted Monday afternoon just east of Highway 99 between Dowad Drive and the eastern end of Depot Road.

The fire, named Dryden Creek, was an estimated 14.4 hectares in size as of Tuesday evening and considered out of control with the potential to spread.

In an update just before noon Tuesday, the municipality said a “co-ordinated and aggressive effort continues to attack the fire with air and ground crews.” Firefighters from the local department, 24 BCWS members, and three helicopters are tackling the blaze.

The district also imposed a campfire ban “to preserve fire suppression efforts and resources.” Category 2 and 3 open fires are already banned.

Environment Canada issued a bulletin Tuesday warning that smoke is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility in the Howe Sound area.

“As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events,” the alert reads.

The BCWS is advising drivers to not stop on the highway to view the fire as it poses other significant risks.

It is also reminding people not to fly drones in the area, as they could cause significant issues for the aerial attack.

The wildfire is believed to be human-caused.