—Updated Aug. 23—
On Aug. 23, Squamish Fire Rescue announced that this fire, which they dubbed "The Ring Creek wildfire," was out.
The human-caused fire was sparked on Aug. 18 and reached .4 of a hectare.
"Squamish Fire Rescue, along with BC Wildfire Service, worked to put out this fire over four days. Because it was located in some very steep terrain, it was not accessible by truck or fire engine. Therefore we required the assistance of ATVs to gain access to the hot spots," reads a post on Facebook.
"Thanks to our local Conservation Service Officers, we were able to make use of their off-road vehicles, which allowed us to knock down the blaze before it spread to other areas."
Squamish Fire Rescue reminds folks that while it has been cool and rainy of late, "the risk of wildfires is still a concern."
Report all fires by calling 9-1-1 or *5555 from a cell phone.
—Updated Aug. 21—
As of Aug. 20, this fire is now under control.
This means "a wildfire that is not projected to spread beyond the current perimeter," according to the BC Wildfire Service map.
—Updated at 2:20 p.m. on Aug. 18—
This Mamquam River area fire is now said to be being held.
This means, the fire "is projected, based on fuel and weather conditions and resource availability, to remain within the current perimeter, control line or boundary."
It is good news, in other words.
It remains at .4 of a hectare.
Not such good news is that now the suspected cause is human, not lightning.
To report a wildfire or irresponsible behaviour that could start a wildfire in British Columbia, please call 1-800-663-5555 or (*5555 from a cell phone) as soon as possible.
—Original story—
Hopefully, the attack crew of three firefighters and the rain will help douse a small wildfire reported Sunday morning 1.7 kilometres east of the Mamquam River in Squamish.
There are no current area restrictions near this incident, or evacuations.
According to the BC Wildfire Service, the fire is currently .4 of a hectare, and out of control.
This means the wildfire is "spreading or is anticipated to spread beyond the current perimeter, or control line."
In addition to the firefighters, one helicopter was also reported to be helping battle the fire.
The cause of this wildfire is under investigation.
The other fire close to Squamish, burning in the Upper Elaho Valley, is 394 hectares as of Sunday, Aug. 18.
It remains out of control.
According to the BC Wildfire Service, as of Sunday, this fire is moving "upslope and burning as a low-intensity ground fire."
Helicopters are continuing to bucket the north flank of the fire, and initial attack crews are working to suppress the north flank and establish access for crews.
"BC Wildfire Service is working with Squamish Nation to protect cultural and sensitive sites in the area," the update reads.
This fire was discovered on Aug. 12 and is believed to have been sparked by lightning.
Stay up to date with all the 369 active wildfires burning in the province through the BC Wildfire Service website.
