The District of Squamish, about 45 kilometres north of Vancouver, has declared a state of local emergency due to an active wildfire.
The wildfire poses an “existing or imminent threat to people and property” in Brackendale, Tantalus Road and Skyridge, according to the order signed by Mayor Armand Hurford.
The district said a B.C. Wildfire Service unit crew of 20 firefighters and an “initial attack” crew of four people are on scene.
“The fire suppression efforts continue to be aggressive with air and ground crews,” said the district’s online update.
The fire measured five hectares, about the size of 12 football fields, midday Tuesday.
Hurford said declaring the state of local emergency is not due to a change in fire behaviour.
“[A state of emergency] allows us to access more resources to deal with the current situation, and if the situation changes, it gives us some more powers and the ability to move more swiftly,” said Hurford.
The state of local emergency will remain in force for 14 days unless the district or the province cancels it.
Evacuation alerts have been issued, but no residents have been ordered to evacuate at this point.
Hurford said about 100 properties have been alerted.
He asked people in the area to stay clear of the area on the highway, to stay off the trails and to not use drones in the area.
More to come.
