As of today (July 5), 26 days after it started, the Dryden Creek wildfire has still not been declared out.
The fire sparked on June 9 and is currently listed as under control, which means it is not expected to spread beyond its current 59.5-hectare perimeter.
As of July 2, there were two initial attack crews of approximately three people each working on the site to find and put out any remaining hot spots.
Evacuation alerts dropped; one order remains
Those on evacuation alert due to the Dryden Creek wildfire can breathe a sigh of relief after the District of Squamish rescinded the alert on July 4.
On June 9, an evacuation alert was put in place for properties on Tantalus Road north of Dowad Drive, and the Skyridge subdivision along Dowad Drive due to the threat of the wildfire.
On June 15, the alert was rescinded for all but 11 properties in the affected area. The remaining alerts were related to dangers from the after-effects of the active fire, including danger trees and rocks falling.
District crews have conducted an assessment to understand the potential risk for those homes. With that now complete, the alerts are no longer needed.
“The District of Squamish is working with property owners to share information about the risk assessment for their properties,” reads a District post.
Also, one of the two evacuation orders, which saw two residents unable to occupy their properties due to the potential risk, has been lifted.
The other remains in place, though the District says “it is anticipated that the order will be lifted in the near future.”
State of emergency remains
The state of local emergency, which allows a municipality to exercise certain urgent powers such as evacuations, remains in place.
Originally declared on June 10, the state of emergency was extended on June 23 by two weeks—to July 7.
Trail closures to note
The District has repeatedly asked the public to respect trail closures that are in effect still due to wildfire-related hazards.
The Rigs In Zen and Wonderland trails remain closed, though Jack’s Trail is open.
The District and Squamish Nation campfire bans put in place at the start of the wildfire remain in effect.
