The Dryden Creek Fire in Squamish started on Monday, June 9. As of Thursday, June 19, the BC Wildfire Service has deemed the fire, which spread to about 60 hectares, controlled (under control).
You will continue to see smoke from the area as hot spots exist where small fires continue to burn deep in difficult terrain. The Wildfire Service estimated it will still be about two weeks before the fire is actually out.
The fire will be continually monitored, including with infrared drone scans looking for hot spots or changes in the surface temperature. The Wildfire Service says they will continue to closely monitor then fire area with remote cameras.
Work is also underway to assess the area for any potential hazards such as rockfall, debris or dangerous trees resulting from the fire.
The exact cause of the fire is not known, but it is believed to be human caused. The Squamish RCMP has issued a statement asking for anyone who was around the area where the fire started to come forward. The fire is believed to have originated around 4pm on Monday June 9 on a bike trail at the end of Tantalus Road.
Thank you for your patience and support for all those with the Nation working hard to keep our People and Community safe.
Impacts
- Alice Lake Provincial Park re-opened earlier this week, but still has some areas closed to vehicles.
- Recreation trails close to the fire perimeter remain closed.
- The Squamish Nation and District of Squamish fire bans remain in effect.
- As of Thursday morning, June 19, the District’s Local State of Emergency remains in place.
Community Support
- Squamish Nation is continuing to work with the District of Squamish Emergency Operations Centre to provide updates to community
- Squamish Nation staff continue outreach in Community
- To reach our Public Safety Department, email: emergencyresponse@squamish.net
Consider signing up for the alert system
The Squamish Nation uses Voyent Alert as a notification service to communicate critical events such as fires and extreme weather. The alert system provides timely information to our Sḵwx̱wú7mesh community when a situation begins, updates as needed, and confirmation that an issue is resolved. The alerts are sent by text, phone call, email or app. Members will only receive alerts if it will affect them directly (where they live) or a second location you are following. For example, if there is a wildfire near a community, only those who live in that community will be notified. You would receive an alert if you added a second location such as your “mom’s home” or “kid’s school”, if it’s affected by an incident.
We are encouraging Squamish People to sign up for the free alert service. It is anonymous when you register and only takes a few minutes. You can either Register online or download the app at the Google Play or Apple App stores.
