District of Squamish declares state of local emergency due to wildfire

UPDATE — June 11, 2025: The wildfire grew Wednesday, but officials said firefighting conditions had improved.

The District of Squamish, about 45 kilometres north of Vancouver, has declared a state of local emergency due to an active wildfire.

The wildfire poses an "existing or imminent threat to people and property" in Brackendale, Tantalus Road and Skyridge, according to the order signed by Mayor Armand Hurford.

The district expanded the evacuation alert area Tuesday afternoon to span additional properties along Tantalus Road north of Dowad Drive and the Skyridge subdivision along Dowad Drive, but no residents have been ordered to evacuate at this point.

The alert warns affected residents that they should be ready to leave on short notice.

Hurford said about 100 properties have been alerted.

The mayor said declaring the state of local emergency is not due to a change in fire behaviour.

"[A state of emergency] allows us to access more resources to deal with the current situation, and if the situation changes, it gives us some more powers and the ability to move more swiftly," said Hurford.

The declaration can also allow the municipality to order evacuations, prohibit travel or enter private property in certain situations, Hurford said.

WATCH | Squamish fire forces evacuation alerts: 

District of Squamish declares state of local emergency due to wildfire

23 days ago

Duration 2:06

A wildfire just north of Squamish has prompted a local state of emergency. The Dryden Creek wildfire is burning near the Sea-to-Sky Highway. As CBC's Yasmine Ghania reports, there are concerns the area's famous winds could push the flames into nearby neighbourhoods.

He asked people in the area to stay clear of the area on the highway, to stay off the trails and to not use drones in the area.

The district said a B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) unit crew of 20 firefighters and an "initial attack" crew of four people are on scene.

"The fire suppression efforts continue to be aggressive with air and ground crews," said the district's online update.

The fire grew from five to 14.4 hectares by early evening Tuesday, according to the BCWS's update.

Wildfire officer Marc Simpson said the weather is expected to become more favourable through the week, with cooler conditions.

He said part of the fire is on a steep slope with places that are inaccessible, creating a challenge for crews.

The wildfire service says the fire is suspected to have been caused by humans, which includes fires set deliberately or by accident.

Squamish remains under a special weather statement for an early season heat event, according to Environment Canada, which noted the event is expected to end Tuesday evening.

The state of local emergency will remain in force for 14 days unless the district or the province cancels it.

The district has also banned campfires effectively immediately "to preserve fire suppression efforts and resources," according to the district's website.

The ban includes campfires, fireworks, Tiki torches and wood-burning saunas and hot tubs.

Squamish Nation Coun. Wilson Williams said the fire is on the opposite side of Highway 99 from Squamish villages.

"There is no immediate risk or harm to our people," he said.

The Nation is in contact with the BCWS and has identified important cultural sites and areas to protect near the fire, according to the Nation's website.