Squamish Terminals dock fire, April 16, 2015

*The information on the page below is a summary of emergency communication related to the Squamish Terminals dock fire which started on the evening of April 16, 2015. The updates are in chronological order beginning from the bottom of the page and reading up.

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The District of Squamish has been working with the various agencies in the aftermath of the Terminals dock fire to follow up on environmental monitoring and testing. Included in this work is the testing of particulates samples taken throughout the community to determine any possible negative impacts from the smoke.

A preliminary update on the sampling has now been provided by Envirochem Services Inc. Please read the attached Media Alert for details.

For ongoing updates, please visit the Squamish Terminals website.

April 20

BC Ministry of Environment has now lifted the Open Fire Ban. Open burning restrictions no longer remain in effect.

April 19, 2:30 p.m.

BC Ministry of Environment, Vancouver Coastal Health and Squamish Terminals have issued a news release to provide details into air quality testing and environmental response as it relates to the Squamish dock fire. Please click here to read the full release.

April 19, 12:00 p.m.

The Squamish  dock fire which began Thursday evening is now 100% contained. Squamish Fire Rescue continues to work toward extinguishment. Dismantling of the dock by Fraser River Pile and Dredge is providing improved access the burning pilings and the Fire Chief anticipates fire will be extinguished by Sunday evening. Ministry of Environment, working together with District of Squamish, Squamish Nation, Vancouver Coastal Health and Squamish Terminals, is leading environmental protection of affected areas, including placing booms to protect habitat from fire debris. 

Advisories

Air Quality Advisory
An air quality advisory has been lifted (Sunday, April 19). The open burning restrictions have been lifted (Monday, April 20).

Playground Equipment:
As a precautionary measure, Vancouver Coastal Health is recommending all playground equipment and outdoor toys directly downwind of the smoke plume zone be power washed with water. Please click here to view more information and an up-to-date list of which playgrounds are affected and which have been rinsed. Update: All playgrounds within District of Squamish parks and School District 48 schools were power-washed as of Monday night, April 20.

Garden Vegetables: It is recommended persons refrain from consuming garden vegetables until such time that environmental sampling results are known.

Water Use Advisory:
Water use restrictions in Squamish have been lifted due to water supply remaining stable and sufficient.

Beach, Oceanfront and Marine Water Access:
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 children and dogs.

Latest news:

• Particulate sampling test results now available following Squamish Terminals dock fire (Apr 25, 5:45 p.m.)

• Squamish Fire Incident Public Information Update (Apr 19, 2:30 p.m.)

• VCH recommending playground equipment in plume zone be hosed (Apr 19, noon)

• Close of day 3 (Saturday, April 18) update (Apr 19, 7:15 p.m.)

• Air Quality Advisory remains in effect due to continued fire suppression efforts (Apr 18, 9:50 a.m.)

• #SquamishFire Update, close of day two (Apr 17, 9:10 p.m.)

• Air Quality Advisory and open burning restrictions in effect for Squamish (Apr 17, 11:30 a.m.)

• Stage 4 water restrictions in place to support Squamish fire fighting efforts (Apr 17, 10:05 a.m.)

• Squamish fire fully contained but not out (Apr 17, 9:40 a.m.)

• Squamish air quality has improved, though conditions continue to be monitored (Apr 17, 7 a.m.)

• Air Quality Testing Underway In Squamish (Apr 17, 1:35 a.m.)

• Fire at the Squamish Terminals - Shelter in Place Alert Issued  (Apr 16, 9 p.m., updated 9:55 p.m.)

Related links

BC Air Quality

Environment Canada Public Weather Alerts