District of Squamish remains on standby to assist with Pemberton wildfire

The District of Squamish has offered firefighting and emergency support to Pemberton as the out-of-control Signal Hill wildfire continues to burn nearby.

Is the District of Squamish helping with the Pemberton Signal Hill wildfire? The District says Squamish Fire Rescue offered firefighting support, and the Squamish Emergency Program has reached out to offer assistance, but, so far, Pemberton Fire Rescue has not requested help. “This may change if the situation changes, as currently the wildfire is not within Pemberton Fire Rescue’s response area and is in the BC Wildfire’s jurisdiction,” said Christina Moore, spokesperson for the District.

“We have close working relationships with all emergency management partners in the Sea to Sky Corridor and will continue to offer our support as we know they have for us in past incidents,” she said. “When needed, this could be in the form of firefighting resources, sending staff to support their Emergency Operations Centre, or to provide capacity for Emergency Support Services in case of evacuation orders.” Outside of government, locals have been offering assistance, from a place to stay if needed to a refuge for animals.

The Squamish Valley Equestrian Association has offered anyone in Pemberton needing a safe place to evacuate their horses, their Lands Arena on Loggers Lane, Squamish, as an emergency evacuation location. “Horses can be unloaded at the arena, and trailers can be parked in the parking lot next to the softball field,” reads the association’s post to social media. “The Squamish Valley Equestrian Association board and team are also working to ensure there is plenty of water available for horses arriving at the grounds.”

As of Thursday evening, the Signal Hill fire remains at 38 hectares, is still out of control. An evacuation alert—meaning people should be prepared to leave in case things get worse—remains in effect for parts of the Village of Pemberton. An Evacuation Order—meaning people must leave and not go to the area—remains in effect for One Mile Lake Park.

The fire was discovered on July 15 and is believed to be human caused. BC Wildfire Service says crews made good progress on the fire today, July 16. Crews on the fire included five helicopters “and a direct attack on the fire’s north flank to protect cultural values.”

BC Wildfire Service is working with the Pemberton Fire Department to protect homes, businesses and resources, and is working with BC Hydro to protect critical infrastructure. Crews are working 24 hours to provide overnight coverage, according to BC Wildfire Service. Words missing in article?

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