‘Public safety issue': Hikers, bikers barging onto closed trails near Squamish wildfire
The B.C. Wildfire Service is sounding the alarm about outdoor enthusiasts disregarding trail closures near the Dryden Creek blaze burning outside Squamish.
Officials posted a public notice over the weekend urging hikers and mountain bikers to 'please abide' by the closures – both for their own safety and to avoid interfering with firefighting operations.
'There's the potential for fire-weakened trees to fall, and rocks that are no longer being held by tree roots rolling downhill,' said Jennifer Lohmeyer, fire information officer with the Coastal Fire Centre.
Crews are also using the closed trails – which are considered worksites – and that could lead to 'public and responder conflicts' if people disregard posted signage telling them to keep away, Lohmeyer added.
'For example, mountain bikers travelling at high speed could collide with responders on the trail,' she said.
Firefighters
Firefighters are seen during Coastal First Nations Wildland Firefighter Boot Camp in spring 2024. (B.C. Wildfire Service)
Officials acknowledged it is a 'challenging situation' given there are sometimes numerous access points to the trails, and crews are still working to get signage up at each one – but in many cases, hikers and mountain bikers are barging onto the trails on purpose.
'People even moved barriers that were put in place to indicate that the trail was closed,' Lohmeyer said.
Firefighters have also had to waste valuable time turning scofflaws around, and in some cases have been forced to change tactics – such as delaying the felling of hazardous trees because members of the public might be nearby.
Closed trails included those west of Jack's Trail toward Debecks Hill, according to a notice posted by the District of Squamish on Monday.
Lohmeyer urged hikers and mountain bikers to check the Recreation Sites and Trails B.C. website for the most up-to-date information on closures before heading out during wildfire season.
'You never know if a new trail is going to be closed,' she said. 'If it is safe, we will open up the trails as we can.'
The Dryden Creek wildfire was discovered on June 9, and spread to an estimated 59 hectares. The B.C. Wildfire Service has classified the blaze as under control, meaning it is not projected to spread beyond its current perimeter.
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