Multiple agency response to wildfire near Horseshoe Bay

UPDATE 10/8/18 at noon:

The District of Vancouver now reports that the fire is 50% contained and responding well to suppression efforts.

—

Three agencies have responded to a small wildfire near Horseshoe Bay.

The fire was first reported at around 8 p.m. on Wednesday and is currently estimated to be three hectares in size according to the District of West Vancouver.

Firefighters are hoping for calm winds today as they tackle the fire near Whyte Lake, north of Horseshoe Bay. Crews from the West Vancouver Fire Department, Metro Vancouver Fire Department and the BC Wildfire Service are working on tackling the blaze today, utilizing two helicopters.

West Van Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Bush says wind conditions are playing a big factor; “we’re gaining some ground on it. The big factor i think in the next little while is going to be the wind conditions. That should be a pretty significant factor as to whether or not we have this completely contained or not”.

The fire has not effected ferry traffic, but has forced the closure of a section of the Baden Powell Trail, and West Vancouver Police are asking the public to avoid the area until further notice.

Fire crews are using the northbound slow lane on a section of the Sea to Sky Highway north of Horseshoe bay as a staging ground, and the highway has been reduced to one lane to allow crews to work. The public is asked to drive with caution in the area.