Community Update – Downton Lake to Carpenter Lake areas

News date

August 18, 2023

230818 Community Update Downton and Carpenter Lake areas.pdf [PDF/170KB]

Applicable communities

All Areas

We are currently in the middle of a significant weather event which has required emergency operations to shift priorities constantly. We know residents are wanting information as quickly as possible, however, in these conditions the information we gather is sometimes outdated before we can distribute it.

We know this is an intense and stressful event for many and ask for your patience. Many responders have been working long hours for over long periods, and remain dedicated to protecting your safety, property and communities.

The situation across the province is making response more challenging and is not expected to improve in the foreseeable future. We continue to work with our partners to meet the life and safety needs of residents, while also finding solutions for animals. In other regions nearby, a significant number of people are currently displaced, resulting in a significant strain on resources.

In the coming days, there may be upgrades or additions to evacuations in this area. These fires are extremely dangerous, please leave immediately if an evacuation order is given or if your safety is at risk.

Wind event continues

A wind warning remains in place today throughout the area, with a strong northeast wind today and overnight. As a result, BC Wildfire Service operations on the ground and in the air are challenged due to extreme wildfire behaviour and significant smoke. Structure protection crews may also be limited due to dangerous conditions, and have been operating at night when conditions are more favourable.

Reduction in fire activity not expected

The wildfires in this area - Downton Lake Fire K71649 and Casper Creek Fire K71535 - are showing extreme fire behaviour, growing rapidly. Due to the hot and dry conditions, available fuel and strong winds, the fires will continue to grow. A reduction in fire activity is not expected in the near future.

Latest updates from BC Wildfire Service:

See dangerous conditions? Leave immediately

At times, tactical evacuations may occur due to rapidly changing fire behaviour, which will see residents leaving due to conditions they see or emergency responders alerting people to leave immediately.

Evacuation orders and alerts require a legal process, which may happen following a tactical evacuation. While we wish to avoid that, it is determined by present conditions.

If you see dangerous conditions, do not wait for an evacuation notice, leave immediately and get to a safe location.

For current evacuations, see www.slrd.bc.ca for updates:

Loss of communications and utilities

There has been a loss of power and communications in some areas. Residents are responsible to ensure they can access information on the emergency through local contacts or finding a location where they can access the internet to get updates.

If you see down power lines, assume they are live and keep a safe distance, and report to BC Hydro at 1-800-224-9376 or text *49376.

Road closures and getting out safely

Wildfires continue to impact roads in the area, and roads have been closed due to dangerous and unpredictable conditions. Responders in the area have noted some roads are passable one moment and extremely dangerous the next. Please respect closures and protect your safety.

All roads within evacuation order areas are closed to public travel.

Steep slopes affected by wildfire are vulnerable to rolling rocks and trees, impeding the safe passage of vehicles.

Please see www.DriveBC.ca for information about other road closures in the region.

Structure Losses

We have been advised by BC Wildfire Service there are additional structure losses in the area in the past 24 hours. Structures were lost on the west side of Gun Lake. There may be structure losses in other areas as well, however, BC Wildfire has not yet been able to complete a full assessment of the area.

Together with known structure losses in the past month, the area has experienced a significant loss for many families. Our thoughts are with those impacted by the loss of property.

We are aware residents want to know if their property was impacted and to get access to their property. As soon as it is safe to do so, we will identify impacted properties, do rapid damage assessments, and contact owners accordingly.

Prepare your property

You have a responsibility to prepare your property for wildfire. Move flammable objects away from structures. Clean debris from roofs and gutters. Close your windows.

Learn more about what you can do: www.firesmartbc.ca

Recreation site closures

The below recreation sites and trails have been closed by the BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy in the Gold Bridge area due to wildfire risk:

Sunshine Mountain Recreation Site
Kingdom Lake Recreation Site
Lost Lake Recreation Site
Lost Lake/Kingdom Lake Recreation Trail
Mowson Pond Recreation Site
Friburg Recreation Site
Tyaughton Recreation Trail
Mud Creek North
Mud Creek South
Gun Creek South
Gun Lake
Carol Lake
Mission Dam Recreation Site
Marshall Lake North Recreation Site
Marshall Lake Recreation Site
Marshall Lake Creek Recreation Site
Shulaps Recreation Trail

Thank you to the first responders and partner agencies

BC Wildfire Service
RCMP
BC Hydro
Search and Rescue organizations
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy – BC Parks, Recreation Sites and Trails Division
Ministry of Agriculture
North Shore Emergency Management
District of Squamish, Resort Municipality of Whistler, Village of Pemberton, District of Lillooet

Thank you to the volunteers