The District of Squamish has declared a state of local emergency as fire crews respond to the 60-hectare fire in the Upper Squamish Valley.
Ten Squamish Fire Rescue members, in two crews, are supporting the fire suppression efforts, according to an update by the district at 11:30 pm on April 15.
The district is in close contact with BC Wildfire Service, Squamish RCMP and the Squamish Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) to coordinate the evacuation.
Due to the rapid movement of the fire, the District of Squamish has issued an Evacuation Alert for residents within district boundaries in Paradise Valley.
Squamish Valley residents beyond Magee Road are also on Evacuation Alert. District and other agencies are also coordinating efforts with the Squamish Nation as the Ch’iyakmesh Reserve is also under Evacuation Alert.
The fire was reported at 4:15 p.m. on April 15.
It grew rapidly in the first few hours and is estimated to be 60 hectares at the time of the update.
All visitors and non-resident property owners currently in the Squamish Valley and Paradise Valley areas have been directed to return to their primary residence.
Accommodation for fire evacuees has been arranged at local hotels, and Canadian Red Cross members will support them today.
The public is asked to avoid the area as wildfires can be dangerous and unpredictable, district said.
