British Columbia wildfire forces Squamish emergency declaration, evacuation alerts issued

Authorities in the District of Squamish, located roughly 45 kilometres north of Vancouver, issued a local state of emergency Tuesday after an aggressive wildfire expanded in size and approached residential areas. The fire, which began earlier this week, is now estimated to cover 14.4 hectares, placing homes in Brackendale, Tantalus Road, and the Skyridge subdivision at risk.

Mayor Armand Hurford, who signed the emergency declaration, stated the measure was necessary to access additional firefighting resources and emergency powers. Approximately 100 properties have been placed under evacuation alert as of Tuesday afternoon, though no evacuation orders had been issued at the time of writing.

What areas in Squamish are threatened by the wildfire?

According to the District of Squamish’s official update, the wildfire is creating an “existing or imminent threat to people and property” in multiple communities, particularly Brackendale, areas along Tantalus Road north of Dowad Drive, and the Skyridge residential subdivision. In response, the evacuation alert zone has been expanded to include these areas. The district warned affected residents to prepare for the possibility of a rapid evacuation if fire behavior worsens.

Mayor Hurford emphasized in a public statement that this emergency declaration does not indicate a shift in fire behavior but is a precaution that gives municipal officials the legal authority to act more swiftly. The declaration remains valid for 14 days unless rescinded earlier by the municipality or the Province of British Columbia.

What are officials saying about fire suppression efforts?

The British Columbia Wildfire Service (BCWS) is actively involved in the response. Fire crews on site include a 20-member wildfire unit and an “initial attack” team of four personnel. Aerial support is also engaged in the suppression efforts, which the District of Squamish described as “aggressive” in both air and ground strategy. Officials noted that some parts of the fire are burning on steep and inaccessible slopes, complicating containment operations.

Wildfire officer Marc Simpson from BCWS indicated that although the topography is challenging, forecasted cooler and more humid weather in the coming days may offer relief. He also confirmed that the fire is suspected to be human-caused, although whether this was accidental or intentional remains under investigation.

What has been banned under the emergency order?

In a further effort to minimize ignition risk, the District of Squamish enacted an immediate ban on all campfires and open flame activities. This includes fireworks, tiki torches, wood-burning saunas, and hot tubs. The move aims to conserve firefighting resources and reduce the potential for new fire starts in already dry conditions.

Residents and visitors have also been asked to stay off local trails, avoid travelling near affected zones on Highway 99, and strictly refrain from flying drones in the vicinity, as drones can pose serious hazards to aerial firefighting crews.

Is this part of a larger fire season trend in British Columbia?

The 2025 wildfire season in British Columbia began earlier than usual due to an unusually warm spring and prolonged dry periods. This latest incident in Squamish echoes patterns observed in prior years. For example, the early June 2023 Donnie Creek fire—the largest recorded in B.C. history—highlighted how quickly wildfires can escalate without swift containment and proactive emergency declarations.

While the current fire in Squamish is significantly smaller in scale, its proximity to homes, infrastructure, and cultural sites has amplified urgency. Authorities are leveraging the emergency declaration to preemptively address conditions before they mirror past escalation scenarios.

What role is the Squamish Nation playing in the response?

The Squamish Nation has confirmed that the wildfire is burning on the opposite side of Highway 99 from its residential communities. Councillor Wilson Williams stated there is “no immediate risk or harm” to Squamish Nation members, but emphasized that the Nation is coordinating closely with BCWS and municipal officials.

The Nation has also worked to identify and safeguard cultural landmarks near the fire perimeter. The collaboration highlights ongoing efforts to ensure that Indigenous sites are protected during emergency response activities.

What is the forecast and how might it affect the fire?

Environment Canada placed the region under a special weather statement for an early-season heat event. That alert was expected to expire Tuesday evening as cooler, more humid air moves into the area. If sustained, these conditions could help limit further fire growth and improve conditions for ground and aerial crews.

Nonetheless, steep terrain and the risk of flare-ups due to lingering dry vegetation continue to pose a challenge. Local authorities are urging the public not to let their guard down and to continue monitoring district advisories.

What powers does the state of emergency give to the District of Squamish?

Under the Emergency Program Act, a local state of emergency grants the municipality several extraordinary powers. These include the ability to evacuate residents, prohibit travel in and out of affected zones, requisition equipment and personnel, and access private property when necessary for emergency operations. These powers are designed to streamline response efforts and reduce bureaucratic delays.

Mayor Hurford reiterated that the declaration is a proactive measure intended to give officials “the ability to move more swiftly” should the fire escalate or weather conditions change unpredictably.

Has evacuation been ordered in any neighborhoods?

As of 5:00 PM PDT on June 10, 2025, only an evacuation alert—not a formal order—has been issued. The alert affects approximately 100 properties, where residents are being asked to prepare to evacuate on short notice. If the wildfire spreads or wind direction changes, these alerts could be upgraded to mandatory evacuation orders within hours.

Residents are being asked to assemble go-bags, secure important documents, prepare transportation, and stay updated through official District of Squamish communication channels.

Are human activities being blamed for the fire’s origin?

BCWS officials have stated that the wildfire is believed to be human-caused. Human-caused fires can result from discarded cigarettes, unattended campfires, construction equipment sparks, or deliberate arson. Investigations are ongoing, and no specific cause has yet been publicly identified.

The classification of the fire as human-caused has further validated the district’s decision to implement sweeping bans on any open flame activity, even in backyard or recreational settings.

What should residents expect next and how can they prepare?

The District of Squamish will continue to monitor fire activity closely in collaboration with provincial authorities and emergency services. Fire officials will reassess containment progress daily, especially given the difficult geography involved.

Residents in alert zones are advised to pack essentials, maintain contact with neighbors, and follow any instructions issued by the Squamish Emergency Operations Centre. Updated information is being made available through the district website, local news outlets, and emergency alert systems.

While current weather trends offer some hope of stability, the unpredictability of wildfire behavior—especially in mountainous and forested regions—means that vigilance remains crucial. Authorities are reinforcing the message that preparedness today could save lives and property tomorrow.