The BC Wildfire Service is reporting that the Mamquam wildfire is 60 per cent contained. It is approximately three hectares in size and is ranked 1-2, on the six-level Wildfire Ranking scale, which indicates that there is smouldering ground fire and low vigour surface fire.
The BC Wildfire Service uses a ranking scale from 1 to 6 to quickly describe fire behaviour based on a set of visual indicators, with 6 being high (view link below for details).
Fire suppression crews have been working diligently to establish hose lays around the Mamquam wildfire. Air tanker action this morning and helicopter bucketing activities throughout the day aided the crews in cooling the fire and allowing for creation of fireguards.
In addition to three helicopters, there are sixteen firefighters, one fire cause investigator, one Forest Officer, two danger tree fallers and one excavator that continue to work the fire.
This area is considered hazardous and the public is requested to stay away from the firefighting response area. While the Mamquam and Skookumby Forest Service Roads remain open, the BC Wildfire Service will be deploying security personnel to those road intersections into the fire site. These checkpoints are necessary to ensure our fire crew’s safety and the safety of the public when accessing recreational activities in the area.
A 3.5 hectare wildfire was currently “burning out of control” 13 kilometres east of Squamish in slash in a cut-block and is currently being supported by both fixed wing air tankers and helicopters.
In fire control lingo ‘Out of Control’ is a wildfire that is not responding (or only responding on a limited basis) to suppression action.
The small community of Ring Road, a power station and hiking trailhead are in the vicinity but are not threatened at this time, although BC Wildfire Service staff are monitoring closely.
Resources on this fire include six initial attack personnel, 10 contract firefighters, a Fire Investigator, a Forest Officer, two danger tree fallers and one excavator and three helicopters.
To report a wildfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.
For up-to-date information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, call 1 888 3-FOREST or visit: www.bcwildfire.ca
Anne Bright says
Wondering why still open for access to recreational activities?
“While the Mamquam and Skookumby Forest Service Roads remain open, the BC Wildfire Service will be deploying security personnel to those road intersections into the fire site. These checkpoints are necessary to ensure our fire crew’s safety and the safety of the public when accessing recreational activities in the area.”
Lynda Gerhardt says
That’s so scary…sending good strong firefighting wishes to all those involved and close by…hopefully it will be contained soon …😳
Daniele Halle says
I woke up at 6 am this morning and there was no news at all about this fire, I wish we the people were kept updated, this is scary