Update: 4:45 p.m., Aug. 29
No fewer than 16 small fires are now burning near Pemberton after a lightning storm rolled through this afternoon.
The BC Wildfire Service map shows four new fires just southwest of the village as of about 4:45 p.m., along with four more southeast of Mount Currie near Lillooet Lake. Though all the new fires are listed at 0.009 hectares in size, only one is currently classified as being held.
Eight more small fires remain out of control further from both towns, to the north and west, while a ninth is under control.
Stay up to date with the latest using the BC Wildfire Service map, and check back with Pique for more as this story develops...
Update 5: 2:15 p.m., Aug 29
Pemberton's 10 out-of-control wildfires have dropped in number to eight.
The 0.009-hectare fire northwest of Whistler near the Squamish River is out, and one of five fires between the Hurley FSR and Locomotive Mountain is listed as "under control" on the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) website.
The other eight wildfires have not increased in size.
A spokesperson for BCWS said no impacts to infrastructure or residents are expected at this time. Crews and helicopters are being shared between the Pemberton fire incidents due to their close proximity.
The BCWS urged residents to remain vigilant heading into the long weekend, noting while some rain is forecast, it will not be enough to soak dry forest fuels.
Residents are encouraged to download the BC Wildfire app, set up notifications for local fire activity and report any new wildfires to *5555 or 1-800-663-5555.
Pique will continue to cover this story as it unfolds...
--
Update 4: 11:30 a.m., Aug 29
Five more fires have been identified towards the northern end of the Pemberton Meadows. Four are just north of the previously reported wildfire between the Hurley FSR and Locomotive Mountain. The fifth fire is near the Hurley-Locomotive cluster on the southern side of the Lillooet River. Every one of the fires is measured at 0.009 hectares and listed as out of control by the BC Wildfire Service.
The smaller, 0.009-hectare wildfire near the Squamish River is now under control by officials, meaning suppression efforts have ensured the fire will not grow beyond its current perimeter. The new fires are still under investigation, according to the BC Wildfire service
Check back with Pique for updates…
--
Update 3: 9:05 a.m., Aug 29
BC Wildfire Services' map is now showing five small wildfires burning near Pemberton. The new, out of control 0.009 hectare fire is located between the Hurley Forest Service Road and Locomotive Mountain. The origins of this fire northwest of Pemberton are currently under investigation.
The five and 0.009 hectare fires near Rutherford Creek are both still listed as out of control, but have not grown since yesterday.
One of the two wildfires near the Squamish River has grown from 0.009 to 0.06 hectares and is still out of control. The other is being held at 0.009 hectares by BCWS officials.
Check back with us for updates...
--
Update 2: 2:00 p.m., Aug 28.
BC Wildfire Service is now reporting four small wildfires burning west of Pemberton after identifying a new 0.009 hectare fire near the original blaze. The first reported fire near Rutherford Creek has also grown to five hectares in size.
The two smaller wildifires northwest of Whistler near the Squamish River are still measuring at 0.009 hectares.
All four fires are currently listed as out of control.
Check back here for updates...
---
Update 1: 9:45 a.m., Aug. 28.
There are now three small fires showing west of Pemberton on the BC Wildfire Service map.
In addition to the four-hectare blaze burning out of control near Rutherford Creek, two small blazes, both 0.009 hectares in size, are burning northwest of Whistler near the Squamish River.
Both are listed as out of control, and under investigation.
Check back for updates...
---
A small wildfire is burning west of Pemberton, according to the BC Wildfire Service.
The fire is just north of the Rutherford Emergency Cabin on Rutherford Creek, burning out of control and about four hectares in size as of Aug. 28.
It is suspected to be caused by a lightning strike, the BC Wildfire Service said on its website.
Pemberton's fire danger rating is currently moderate. As of July 17, the Village has a full ban on fires of any kind, regardless of the fire danger rating.
On July 17, a Category 1 open fire prohibition came into force throughout the Coastal Fire Centre, banning campfires and backyard burns in the areas outside municipalities. On May 30, Category 2 and 3 open fire bans were issued, prohibiting burning piles of flammable debris, stubble or grass, and one or more windrows—a long line of raked hay or sheaves of grain.
The orders will remain in place until Oct. 31, or until it is rescinded by officials.
A second small fire is burning south of Whistler near Cheakamus Lake, though that fire is classified as being held at 0.009 hectares.
Check back for updates as this story develops...
