Squamish Wildfire Rages as Crews Battle Blazes and Community Rallies Together
Hey everyone, just wanted to bring you up to speed on what's been unfolding here in Squamish. As you may have heard, the Dryden Creek wildfire has taken a serious turn, growing rapidly and prompting widespread concern throughout the community. As of now, the fire has expanded to cover over 54 hectares and is classified as “out of control.” That means it’s spreading or expected to spread beyond current containment lines—and fast.
Earlier this week, Alice Lake Provincial Park was placed under an immediate evacuation order. If you’re in or around the area, the message is clear: get out and stay out until further notice. Authorities are prioritizing public safety, and the scale of this fire demands swift action. Flightradar24 has shown tankers and helicopters en route constantly, and ground crews are working tirelessly day and night.
To give you an idea of how serious this has become, over 70 personnel are on site between the BC Wildfire Service, Squamish Fire Rescue, and crews from Whistler. They've also deployed sprinkler systems to help protect homes near the fire’s perimeter. One of the scarier moments came when the flames got within 40 metres of nearby properties—close enough to see embers falling on decks and hear chainsaws removing dangerous trees.
The community has really stepped up. Locals are packing essentials, helping one another prep for a possible evacuation, and making sure the vulnerable are looked after. Long-time resident Shannon Cooley shared that she packed family heirlooms and historic photos—reminding us all of what really matters when you're faced with a potential evacuation.
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There’s an active evacuation alert in place for hundreds of properties near Depot Road and Tantalus Road. Highway 99 is still open, but visibility is poor due to thick smoke, so extreme caution is advised if you’re driving that route.
This fire has had wide-reaching impacts—not just on the ground but also in the air. Smoke has blanketed Squamish and drifted across Howe Sound, triggering air quality warnings. Environment Canada is warning us this could just be the beginning. With rising temperatures, dry conditions, and strong winds expected over the summer, the risk of wildfire is significantly higher than usual.
Authorities believe this fire may be human-caused, though not from a campfire. The RCMP is actively investigating and asking for tips from the public. If you saw something, now is the time to speak up.
Meanwhile, the Squamish Nation is playing a key role too. They’ve been involved in fire monitoring efforts, even flying knowledge keepers up by helicopter to identify and protect sacred sites in the area. Their message has been one of resilience, unity, and hope—encouraging the community to stay strong and trust in both their traditions and the efforts on the ground.
We’re being asked to do our part: stay away from the fire zone, conserve water, and stay informed through official channels like Squamish.ca. A local campfire ban is in place, and a FireSmart educator is going door-to-door helping residents better prepare their homes.
This is going to be a long fight. Fire officials expect efforts to last weeks, especially with how rugged and steep the terrain is. But one thing’s clear—this town is no stranger to challenges, and the spirit of Squamish is alive and strong.
Let’s stay safe, support our firefighters, and keep looking out for each other.
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