Squamish Valley Fire update by RCMP, SLRD, and DOS

RCMP, SLRD & DOS – Press Release

April 16th, 2020

On April 15th, 2020, at 4:15 pm Squamish RCMP became aware of an active growing fire on Magee Road up in the the Squamish Valley.  Members from IPDS and Squamish RCMP were able to get to scene quickly and provide minute by minute updates in order to work on fast moving tactical evacuations.

Coastal Fire, air support, and firefighting teams from elsewhere in the province arrived throughout the evening and into today.  “The fire is not contained and is still moving as of this morning and RCMP are working alongside Coastal Fire, Squamish Fire, SLRD, District of Squamish, Conservation Service, and many other important partners” says Sergeant Sascha Banks.  “We are a community and area that works best under a collaborative effort and this is no exception.  Keep communicating with us and we are in the area for urgent evacuations and ever-changing situations.”

The current Evacuation Orders remain in effect (See map).  The Paradise Valley and Cheekeye Indigenous Community is a focus of today for the RCMP and officers are working to do door to door to ensure all those in the community are updated and ready to go at a moments notice.

“We are grateful for the tireless work of our RCMP, fire crews, the community members of the Squamish Valley, and the volunteers” says Inspector Kara Triance. ” Please give us support by not visiting the area and allowing us to focus on the work at hand.”

SLRD Update/Message

Most of the Upper Squamish Valley is within Electoral Area D of the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District.

Some areas of the Upper Squamish Valley in SLRD Electoral Area D are under Evacuation Order, while others on Evacuation Alert, due to a wildland interface fire burning in the vicinity of Magee Road. The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District has declared a state of local emergency.

This is a very trying time for our communities already, in light of everything that is happening in our world right now, said SLRD Board Chair Tony Rainbow. The majority of the Upper Squamish Valley is within the SLRD, and we are actively working with all of the many agencies involved in fighting this fire. Our thoughts are with all of the residents who are impacted by this fire.

The SLRD continues to be in contact with lead agencies responding to this fire, and is coordinating information with BC Wildfire Services, the District of Squamish and RCMP.

All visitors and non-resident property owners currently in the Squamish Valley and Paradise Valley areas are directed to return to their primary residence.

A number of homes have been evacuated within the SLRD. Emergency support services are available, and residents requiring emergency accommodation have been directed to the Executive Suites Hotel in Squamish where they will be connected with the Squamish Canadian Red Cross/Emergency Support Services (ESS).

Wildfires are dangerous and unpredictable. Please avoid the area to safeguard your safety and the safety of all those battling this fire.

This situation is changing rapidly. Further updates will be provided on the SLRD’s Facebook page and website when new information is available.

District of Squamish Update:

“A wildfire and its impacts knows no borders, and so the swift and coordinated initial and ongoing effort of multiple jurisdictions is critical to effectively support the response, and most importantly to support those residents directly impacted,” says District of Squamish Mayor Karen Elliott.

“The District of Squamish, through declaring a local state of emergency, is prepared to receive and assist evacuees in conjunction with the Red Cross, and enables us to act quickly should this fire threaten residents within the District of Squamish. Our support efforts will be focused on all the residents who are impacted, and with the emergency personnel on the ground.”