Squamish residents on edge as wildfire continues to burn out of control
A local state of emergency remains in effect in Squamish, B.C., on Wednesday as the Dryden Creek wildfire continues to burn out of control.
Squamish Mayor Armand Hurford told Global News there were calmer winds overnight, which was positive, and the fire remains just over 14 hectares in size.
'The local state of emergency gives us the ability to evacuate people,' he told Global News.
'It also gives us the authority to access private property to address the risk to the greater community.'
On Tuesday, an evacuation alert was expanded to cover more than 100 properties in the Brackendale area.
'We have not needed to evacuate anyone at this point, but we do have around just over a hundred properties on evacuation alert at this time,' Hurford said.
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'So they are ready to go. And I understand some of those folks have decided to go elsewhere, but we haven't evacuated anyone at (this) point.'
5:41
More than 100 Squamish properties now under evacuation alert
Hurford said the fire is at the north end of the community and while it is close to homes, the fire remains burning above on the slope and has been burning away from any structures so far.
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He added that the community has been coming together to help in any way they can.
'Obviously there's concern and people are on edge for any changes, but we've seen the community come together to help protect each other's homes as well as showing support for our first responders and everything from local businesses offering up services and just asking what they can do to help, to folks bringing banners to fire halls or offering baked treats to the crews,' he said.
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'So it's really been heartwarming to see everybody coming together in a time of crisis or near crisis.'
For a look at where wildfires are burning around B.C., check out our wildfire map.
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The Province
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The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Rory Baldwin told a news briefing that crews expected good progress this weekend thanks to favourable weather, while Squamish Mayor Armand Hurford said rain on Thursday night had prompted celebrations on the streets. The blaze — which triggered a local state of emergency and has been deemed 'out of control' since it was discovered on Monday — was 60 hectares in size, with Hurford attributing an increase to improved mapping. 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A situational report posted to the service website on Friday said rain was also forecast for most of northern B.C. this weekend before easing Sunday, and warned of the possibility of slides caused by sudden rainfall on eroded areas. The report noted a 'warming trend' was expected to return to the province on Sunday, which could then stretch into next week and increase fire behaviour. Read More Vancouver Canucks Sports Soccer News News
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Global News
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