Photo: Ryan Belandres
The Ministry of Environment is maintaining the Air Quality Advisory that was issued Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. While air quality readings in Squamish are currently indicating low concern, fire suppression efforts today may temporarily affect this and result in deteriorating air quality.
Fire suppression efforts today will involve further dismantling of the burning dock which will assist crews in extinguishing the fire. This could result in potential flare ups and increased smoke, the district said.
A level 4 water restriction remains in effect today throughout Squamish in order to avoid additional stress on the system. Please limit indoor water use and avoid unnecessary outdoor water use. Ministry of the Environment and various other supporting agencies are working today on environmental protection and response.
Stay tuned for additional updates on this important next step. Debris from the fire is evident in the water, and recreationalists and residents are encouraged to avoid the water, beaches and waterfront areas in proximity to the fire. Booms are being placed with efforts to contain the debris, as quickly as possible, but with the safety of response personnel in mind.
Typically the winds reverse along Howe Sound as the cool night air flows south we now get the smell of creosote burning. Walking outside I noticed droplets that are more likely condensation around the particulates of the fire which I hope are scrubbing the air but of course peppering our environment with a lasting legacy of the commercial dock fire of 2015. Sad.
Congrats for getting this story out expeditiously Gagandeep
Veerrrryyyy Strange!
How did the fire get that out of hand? People were on site – were they not trained, and practised, for such an event?