Wildfires
Wildfires burning in urban areas are referred to as interface fires, and can be devastating when they encroach on human settlements and critical infrastructure. Wildfires primarily occur during hot, dry weather when forest fuel sources are particularly susceptible to lightning strikes and human carelessness. Squamish has many forested areas in and around the District, heightening the potential risk posed by an interface fire.
Wildfire safety is a shared responsibility between the fire services agencies, emergency management agencies, provincial and local government, communities, households and individuals.
The District of Squamish completed a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) in 2017. The CWPP provides 48 recommendations which will help to guide our community in wildfire mitigation and risk reduction initiatives. These include initiatives such as:
- Forest thinning/fuel treatments
- FireSmart efforts including home assessments and Chipper Days
- All-hazards community evacuation plan
- New Wildfire Development Permit Area guidelines and Wildfire Landscaping Management Bylaw
Click here to view the Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
Be FireSmart:
Nearly half of all wildfires in B.C. are caused by people. Being a resilient community rests on our proactive measures to mitigate this destructive hazard.
- Visit PrepareBC and learn how you can prepare for this type of emergency
- Download FireSmart Homeowner's manual and learn how to mitigate your home and community from wildfires
Resources:
- Wildfire information is available on the BC Wildfire Service website.
- Up-to-date air quality information, please visit the BC Air Quality website.
- Any health information and precautions related to current conditions are available on the Vancouver Coastal Health website (under "News").
- FireSmart manual - A guide to protecting your home from wildfire. BC FireSmart manual
- Interface construction and high risk activity regulations
PLEASE CALL 911 TO REPORT ALL FIRES within the District of Squamish. Outside District boundaries, call 1.800.663.5555 or *5555 toll-free on most cell networks.