The recent weather event caused significant fire growth on both fires as well as throughout the southern portion of the province. The fire remains active and firefighters are focused on suppression from the air and ground including using heavy machinery to build fire guards.
Sadly, we know structure losses continue to be identified and it is possible there are more to be discovered. We ask you to keep the privacy of those impacted as a priority and do not share images of losses during this time. More information on structure losses is below.
As resources are stretched across the province, some things may not happen at a speed to match your expectations or have seen in the past. We are working diligently to address the many challenges now faced by many in our region. This is complex work with both immediate and long-term needs for resources. You have our commitment we are working hard along with our partners to solve the crisis many residents face.
Thank you to the Slow Food Cycle for their support of Area A evacuees and their cooperation in cancelling their event. This ensured the route was fully accessible to evacuees and fire crews.
Below is new information on several topics. Stay strong. Support each other. Please be patient and respectful of everyone, including crews who are using their experience and skills to help you.
Emergency Support Services
Even if you do not have immediate needs, we recommend you register for ESS as your registration can be useful when claiming insurance. It can provide emergency clothing, food vouchers and accommodations for your household, as well as other resources which you may find useful now or in the future.
ESS provides short-term basic support to people impacted by disasters. The program is financed by the provincial government and administered by local governments.
ESS relies on volunteers to coordinate support services for people forced from their homes in an emergency.
- ESS at the Mickey McDougall Recreation Centre in North Vancouver is now closed.
- Online registration: https://ess.gov.bc.ca
- In-person registration:
- Lillooet District Recreation Centre, 930 Main Street – Room 101, Lillooet, BC, V0K 1V0
- Open 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Monday, August 21, Tuesday, August 22, and Wednesday, August 23:
- After-hours call: 250-256-8524
- Pemberton & District Community Centre, 7390 Cottonwood St, Pemberton, BC, V0N 2L0
- Open 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 20 and Monday, August 21:
- After-hours call: 604-902-1196
To learn about volunteering for ESS, see this page.
Agricultural support
Relocation of livestock for eligible farm businesses and First Nations is supported by the province during emergencies (see policy - which is not intended to address non-commercial livestock or pets.)
Relocation can commence during an evacuation alert stage.
The process provides for reimbursement of response costs invoiced from service providers for transportation, feed and housing. If you need assistance, please contact the SLRD’s Emergency Operations Agriculture Liaison, Leslie MacDonald at C2@slrd.bc.ca or mobile at 326-999-2945.
Taking care of yourself and others
Create a support network. This may include family, friends or professionals. If you are struggling, seek or accept help.
Speak with a counsellor at 1-866-585-0445 (Adults) or 1-888-668-6810 (youth) or www.wellnesstogether.ca
If you or someone you know is in immediate crisis or has suicide-related concerns, please call 1-833-456-4566 or visit talksuicide.ca - both are available 24/7. Text CONNECT to 686868.
Call 211, a free and confidential service that connects people to helpful and vital resources in their community such as basic needs like food and shelter, mental health and addictions support, legal and financial, support for seniors and much more.
Calling the Telus Health Community Crisis Health Line 1-844-751-2133, available 24/7. Telus Health also offers access to a physician if you cannot access yours.
Weather shift
The wind and heat that was experienced Thursday and Friday will make the coming days seem good, however, we will continue to have above-seasonal temperatures, at times windy conditions, and weather which supports fire growth and changes in direction. There is no significant rain forecast for the next week, and temperatures will go up a bit before they go down later next week.
Fire has caused significant damage
The wildfires in this area - Downton Lake Fire K71649 and Casper Creek Fire K71535 – are continuing to grow. While fire activity has lessened, conditions are still very dangerous at times.
Some areas have experienced extreme fire and the damage is severe throughout large swaths of forest. Beyond structure losses, utilities, communications and roads have been damaged. Assessment and action are being taken, however, fire activity is resulting in some areas being inaccessible at times or fully. This damage has also slowed the response of firefighters getting supplies and resources into the area.
Latest updates from BC Wildfire Service:
Structure Losses
We have been advised by BC Wildfire Service that additional structures have been lost. Structures were lost on the west side of Gun Lake.
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 will continue to update you as we work through this process. We know it is difficult waiting and ask for continued patience. Please keep in mind we have an unknown number of properties to identify and assess and it may take some time.
In the meantime, begin the process of contacting your insurance and familiarizing yourself with the steps you may need to take next. We will also be providing a re-entry planning guide soon which will have tasks you can do while you wait for more information.
Learn more from the Insurance Bureau of Canada
***The below information is identical to yesterday’s update, although links may contain new information.
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:
- Evacuation ORDER for SLRD Electoral AREA A
- Evacuation ALERT - Electoral Area B Yalakom Valley and Bridge River Valley Areas
- Evacuation ALERT Casper Creek Wildfire K71535 - Electoral Area B
- Evacuation ORDER Casper Creek Wildfire K71535 - Electoral Area A & B
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.
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
Ways to stay informed
- BC Wildfire Map: https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/map
- BC Wildfire Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo
- SLRD Emergency Alerts & Orders: /emergency-program/emergency-alerts-orders
- Road impacts - Drive BC: https://drivebc.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
- Gun Lake Fire Protection Society
- Bralorne Fire Protection Society
- Gold Bridge Community Club
- Emergency Social Services
We also wish to acknowledge everyone who is helping their friends, family and neighbours.