Wildfires Cause BC Town To Declare State Of Emergency & Start Evacuating (VIDEO)

It looks like wildfire season came a bit early in B.C. According to BC Wildfire Services, a wildfire in Squamish has caused the town to declare a state of emergency. In addition, several people have been asked to evacuate as the wildlife moves swiftly towards town. 

A wildfire near Squamish was first reported on Wednesday, April 15. In the past 24 hours, the fire has moved quickly from the south side of Squamish Valley Road near Magee Road to the north side. 

The fire allegedly moved so quickly that the town has now declared a local state of emergency. 

By 6 p.m. on Wednesday, all residents in the Squamish Valley area were asked to prepare for evacuation. 

While residents in the valley area were asked to prepare, other residents who lived on the east of Cloudburst Crescent, near Butterfly Lake, Levette Lake, and Evans Lake were asked to leave by local RCMP. 

The Town of Squamish stated online that a number of homes were evacuated, however, officials have not released how many people were asked to leave. At this time, hotel arrangements have been made for anyone affected.

Any visitors and non-resident property owners in the area were asked to leave and return to their primary addresses. 

The Canadian Red Cross will be deployed to support evacuees on April 16.

B.C. Wildlife Service told CTV News on Wednesday evening that the evacuations were “tactical” and that there was “no threat to human life at all” at that point. 

The estimated size of the fire is currently at 60 hectares. While crews are working on the fire, the cause has not been released by BC Wildfire Services.

According to the town's website, Squamish Fire Rescue deployed two crews, including 10 members, with one engine and a structural protection unit out to the blaze. 

The Squamish Fire Chief stated that a number of people have stayed behind to help fight the fire despite the danger.

At this time, the town is reminding residents that wildfires can be dangerous and unpredictable so the best thing to do is avoid the area.