Extra crews deployed to fight wildfire burning near Squamish
A wildfire has broken out less than 20 km from the town of Squamish.
Crews with air support are responding to a 3.5 hectare fire, ~17.5 km northwest of #Squamish. No structures are currently threatened, but it is highly visible from Squamish, #Whistler and #BCHwy99 (Sea-to-Sky). #BCwildfire pic.twitter.com/6Y5EUGROBK
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) April 2, 2019
According to the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD), the fire broke out on Monday, and is burning in the 17.5 mile area of Squamish Valley Road.
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It is currently estimated to be 3.5 hectares in size and is “displaying some rank 3 fire behaviour.”
The SLRD said that the fire is currently burning upwards and away from structures, meaning no residents are in danger at this time. That said, smoke from the fire is visible in Squamish and may be visible in some areas of Whistler.
An initial attack crew was deployed to the area and more firefighters are expected to be deployed today.
Rain is forecast to move into the area Tuesday evening and continue for the rest of the week, which the SLRD says will aid in fire suppression efforts.
Last year’s wildfire season was recorded as the second worst in history, with approximately 970,827 Ha. (9,708-sq-km) burned due to wildfires.