Issued: August 19, 2024
There continue to be a number of wildfires burning within, or near, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD).
The SLRD continues to monitor this dynamic and evolving situation, and is working closely with BC Wildfire Service to ensure we are up-to-date on the status of each fire.
The following situational awareness update is from BC Wildfire Service and is the most up-to-date information at this time. This information was updated by BC Wildfire Service on Monday, August 19. Please note that this information can change quickly; for updates and the latest information, please always check the BC Wildfire Service’s website.
SLRD situational awareness:
• Four fires in the SLRD are listed as ‘out of control’.
• There are no ‘Fires of Note’ in the SLRD.
• An Evacuation Alert has been issued by the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) due to the Birkenhead Lake wildfire (V31836) in the vicinity of Birkenhead Lake Estates and Blackwater Road.
• BC Parks has closed Birkenhead Lake Provincial Park. Please visit bcparks.ca/active-advisories for more information on park-related impacts related to wildfires.
Wildfires listed as ‘out of control’:
Coastal Fire Centre
Birkenhead Lake (V31836): 772 hectares / out of control
Monday, August 19, reported by BC Wildfire Service – This fire has received minimal rain, which has helped reduce fire behaviour. No significant growth has been reported. Officers are looking for opportunities to action direct attack methods and heavy equipment continues building guard. Structure protection assessments are complete for the community of Birkenhead Lake Estates and Birkenhead Lake.
There are currently 25 firefighters, two tree fallers and eight operational field staff responding to this wildfire. There are currently four helicopters and four pieces of heavy equipment responding to this wildfire.
The Evacuation Alert issued by the SLRD for properties around Birkenhead Lake Estates and Blackwater Road remains in effect.
Birkenhead Lake Provincial Park has been closed to the public. Please visit bcparks.ca/active-advisories for more information on park-related impacts related to wildfires. The public is asked to stay clear of the area and Birkenhead Lake.
Rutherford Creek (V31841): 67 hectares / out of control
As of Monday, August 19, reported by BC Wildfire Service – Crews are making good progress with direct attack tactics on the northeast and northwest flanks. Heavy equipment continues to build guards on the north flank to prevent spread and open road access. There is a full response on this fire, including: 40 firefighters (three unit crews), five operational field staff, fallers and first aid responders. There are currently three helicopters and two pieces of heavy equipment responding to this wildfire.
Upper Elaho River (V32132): 457 hectares / out of control
As of Monday, August 19, reported by BC Wildfire Service – The fire is moving upslope and burning as a low-intensity ground fire. Helicopters continue to bucket the north flank of the fire today. Initial attack crews are working to suppress the north flank and establish access. BC Wildfire Service is working with Squamish Nation to protect cultural and sensitive sites in the area. There are currently three initial attack and one unit crew, as well as one helicopter responding to this fire.
Kamloops Fire Centre
Spray Creek (K72257): 0.6 hectares/ out of control
This is a new fire, discovered on August 17, 2024, in the Texas Creek Road area, in Electoral Area B of the SLRD. BCWS has dedicated Full Response to this fire.
Learn more about BCWS Response Types and Attack Methods.
Air Quality
The previous Smokey Skies Bulletin issued for parts of the SLRD is no longer in place. However, residents are reminded that these conditions can change quickly.
• For the current smoke forecast: visit: https://firesmoke.ca/forecasts/current/
• For air quality advisories, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/air/air-q…
• For more information on current air quality, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/air
• Visit http://www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk.
Emergency preparedness reminders:
Know the hazards: knowing what hazards you need to plan for is the first step to being prepared.
- Visit the FireSmartBC to learn how to make your property resilient to wildfire. The SLRD Wildfire Mitigation Team is on standby, ready to help. Book your Free FireSmart Assessment by email at firesmart@slrd.bc.ca or by phone at 604-384-7323.
- Use the FireSmart checklist to make sure you are ready before or during an alert: https://firesmartcanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/FSC_Wildfire-Evac…
- Make an emergency plan for yourself, all members of your household and your pets.
- Prepare your emergency supplies and build your kits:
- Ensure you have supplies, including food, water and necessary medicines, for at least 72 hours.
- Research insurance options and ensure your plan is up-to-date.
- Evacuation routes: understand how you will leave the area.
- Evacuation and recovery resources- Learn what happens in evacuations, what financial assistance you might be eligible for and other recovery resources.
- Download resources for Farm & Ranch Wildfire Preparedness here.
Stay Informed: In an emergency, misinformation is dangerous. Get your information from official sources, and make sure you have access:
- Emergency notifications – sign up for your community’s emergency alert notification system and download the free Alertable app to receive emergency alerts from the Province of B.C.
- Provincial emergency information: Follow Emergency Info BC
- Road conditions: Follow DriveBC
- Wildfire updates: Follow BC Wildfire Service and download the BC Wildfire Service app
- Flood-related advisories: Visit the BC River Forecast Centre