A rapidly spreading wildfire near Squamish, B.C. has triggered the evacuation of Alice Lake Provincial Park and placed hundreds of nearby homes under alert, as strong winds pushed the fire’s footprint to over 54 hectares by Wednesday night.
Dubbed the Dryden Creek fire, the blaze has not yet reached the park grounds, but authorities warned that smoke, reduced visibility, and its movement toward key access routes necessitated urgent evacuation. BC Parks and Squamish Fire Rescue ordered all visitors out, advising them not to return until further notice.
Five helicopters have been actively drawing water from Alice Lake to battle the blaze, supported by air tankers throughout Wednesday. However, tackling the fire’s north flank—where it’s spreading fastest—is proving difficult due to steep, inaccessible terrain, said wildfire officer Marc Simpson.
The fire originated Monday on a hillside between Dowad Drive and Depot Road and has been linked to human activity. RCMP, now investigating, are urging anyone who was near the bike trail off Tantalus Road around 4 p.m. Monday to report any observations, no matter how small.
A local state of emergency declared Tuesday remains in effect, along with a campfire ban and an evacuation alert for about 200 homes in Brackendale, Tantalus Road, and Skyridge. Motorists have been warned of low visibility along Highway 99, and residents are being asked to conserve water to aid firefighting efforts.
With roads blocked to ensure quick evacuation, long-time resident Edward Eckersley summed up local sentiment: “We’re all loaded up… When are we going to be able to unload them? You never know.”
Swifteradio.com
