Community Update #2: Signal Hill Wildfire, Electoral Area C

July 16, 2026 | 5 p.m.

Current evacuation measures for areas of Electoral Area C of the SLRD and Village of Pemberton remain unchanged as BC Wildfire Service crews continue to respond to the Signal Hill Wildfire (V30852). Currently, BCWS is not recommending any changes to the current evacuation measures:

• An Evacuation Alert remains in effect for affected properties in the Village of Pemberton and SLRD Electoral Area C. Residents are not being asked to leave but should remain prepared to evacuate if conditions change.
• An Evacuation Order remains in effect for One Mile Lake Park to restrict public access and provide a safe working area for emergency responders. There are no residential properties within the Evacuation Order area.

Today, BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) reports that crews made good progress on sections of the fire closest to the Village of Pemberton. Sixteen firefighters worked on the fire during the day, supported by five helicopters. Eight firefighters will remain on scene overnight to hold and continue the work completed today. 

BCWS’s focus is on limiting fire growth towards Pemberton. Additional crews, including the Pemberton Fire Department and resources are being brought in to support operations over the coming days and structure protection equipment is in place should it be needed. At this time nearby structures are not currently at risk, and defending these values remains the primary objective of assigned resources.

We are monitoring a shift in weather and the potential for lightning and increased winds over this evening and into tomorrow and Saturday.

Please respect trail closures in areas around the wildfire including One Mile Lake Park, Signal Hill and the dyke trail from Airport Road to Highway 99. 

The SLRD and Village of Pemberton continue to work closely with BC Wildfire Service, Lil’wat Nation, emergency responders and other partners. The SLRD and Village of Pemberton thank BC Wildfire Service crews and all responding agencies working through the day and night to protect the community. We also thank residents for their cooperation, patience, and support as response efforts continue.

NOW IS THE TIME TO PREPARE FOR AN EVACUATION - WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:

• Pre-register for Emergency Support Services online at: https://ess.gov.bc.ca/. More information about ESS will be available soon. 
• Locate all family members and designate a meeting area outside of the evacuation area, should an Evacuation Order be called while separated.
• Pack essential items such as government-issued ID, medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (e.g., insurance, credit, and mortgage information), immediate care needs for dependants and, if time and space permits, keepsakes for quick departure.
• Prepare to move people who may need additional time to evacuate, children and/or neighbours who would require assistance.
• If you require assistance, call the SLRD Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at 604-384-7357.
• Prepare to take pets with you and move livestock to a safe area (if possible).
• Arrange transportation and accommodations for all your household members, if possible, and fill the gas tanks of personal vehicles.
• Wait for an Evacuation Order to be issued before evacuating.
• If it is safe to do so, prepared your home by reviewing the FireSmart Last Minute Checklist for Protecting your Home from a Wildfire.
• Get prepared and stay informed through official sources:
  For the latest wildfire information, visit the BC Wildfire Service dashboard.
• For current road conditions, visit DriveBC.
• For emergency information from the SLRD, including the Evacuation Alert and map, visit:
  www.slrd.bc.ca/eoc
• For Village of Pemberton emergency information, visit:
  https://pemberton.ca/emergency-response