#SquamishFire Update, close of day 3 - water restrictions lifted by District of Squamish, Air Quality Advisory remains in effect

District of Squamish Operations has lifted the Stage 4 water restriction that has been in place since Friday morning. Fire suppression efforts are not drawing from the water supply to the same extent as on day one, and water supply has remained stable and sufficient.

The Air Quality Advisory remains in effect. While air quality readings in Squamish are still indicating low concern, fire suppression efforts continue and there is the ongoing potential for flare up and smoke while crews are dismantling the dock, which is expected to take a couple of days. 

Due to the current Air Quality Advisory, open burning is also restricted (backyard fires, campfires etc.) within a 20 km radius centred on Squamish Municipal Hall. This has been put into effect to avoid any additional smoke that could affect the air quality while fire suppression efforts are still underway.

As a reminder, the Air Quality Advisory contains the following health recommendations: Persons with chronic underlying medical conditions should postpone strenuous exercise until the advisory is lifted. Staying indoors and in air conditioned spaces helps to reduce fine particulate exposure. Exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those who have diabetes, and lung or heart disease.

Ministry of Environment, working together with District of Squamish, Squamish Nation, Vancouver Coastal Health and Squamish Terminals, continue to lead environmental protection of affected areas, including placing booms to protect habitat from fire debris. 

Residents and visitors are asked not to access beach areas at the Oceanfront (Nexen Beach), the wind sports spit, and along the Mamquam Blind Channel due to potential fire debris hazards. It is recommended to avoid the water, beaches and waterfront area, especially with dogs and children.

The District's Emergency Operations Centre will re-open 8 a.m. Sunday morning. Stay tuned for further updates at that time.

April 18, 2015

Post your comment

Comments

No one has commented on this page yet.

RSS feed for comments on this page | RSS feed for all comments

We use cookies to help improve our website for you.