Squamish, B.C., declares wildfire state of emergency as blaze looms over community

By Canadian Press on June 10, 2025.

SQUAMISH — The District of Squamish has declared a local state of emergency due to an out-of-control wildfire that it says poses an imminent threat to people and property.

The declaration signed by Mayor Armand Hurford says the blaze is threatening the neighbourhoods of Brackendale, Tantalus Road and Skyridge in the community about 60 kilometres north of Vancouver.

The district said on its website that the Dryden Creek wildfire is being fought by air and groundcrews from the BC Wildfire Service, while Squamish Fire Rescue crews are setting up sprinklers to protect homes and assisting with fire suppression.

It said the fire is about five hectares in size and an evacuation alert that was imposed on Monday is expected to be expanded Tuesday.

Residents of the community that is popular with adventure and outdoor sports enthusiasts have not yet been ordered to leave.

“The fire suppression efforts continue to be aggressive with air and ground crews,” said the statement from the District of Squamish.

It said three helicopters are dedicated to the fire.

“Given the terrain, these are the most effective tools to tackle the fire. Additional fixed wing aircraft will be brought in if required.”

The fire is in forested mountain terrain on the east side of the Sea-to-Sky Highway, while the threatened neighbourhoods are just on the other side of the highway that connects Vancouver and Whistler.

The district said if an evacuation order is issued, officials will go door-to-door to require people to get out ahead of the blaze.

The BC Wildfire Service said the fire is believed to be human caused.

The district says the emergency declaration will remain in place until June 24 unless rescinded.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 10, 2025.

The Canadian Press