Squamish Valley fire suspected to be human-caused

The fire in the Squamish Valley area is suspected to be human-caused, said Donna McPherson, a spokesperson for the Coastal Fire Centre.

The fire is burning in heavy timber, and the fire service will bring in 42 fire fighters, three helicopters, and an excavator to help with the suppression, she said.

Meanwhile, BC hydro is also on site evaluating the power lines. The fire is still out of control, but not as aggressive as yesterday, said McPherson.

Smoke, fire, and winds all led to an aggressive increase in fire activity earlier in the evening yesterday, but it is a ground fire now, she said.

It is, however, still out of control and not as aggressive, although that can change as crews face similar weather conditions as yesterday, she added.

The 60-hectare fire started at 4:15 pm on April 15 about 15 kilometres northwest of Brackendale.

Fire crews will respond to the fire all day and there is a chance the fire activity will pick up, but there are more resources than were available yesterday, McPherson said.