B.C. wildfire burning out of control between Squamish and Whistler

With a heatwave continuing to scorch most of B.C. more wildfires continue to pop up in the province with one of the latest just west of Whistler.

Discovered on Saturday, the Shovelnose Creek wildfire is listed as out of control and burning at roughly 17 hectares in size, according to the BC Wildfire Service. The fire is located approximately 20 kilometres down the Squamish Valley Forest Service Road.

#BCWildfire is continuing to respond to the Shovelnose Creek fire (V30293), located at the 20 km mark along Squamish River FSR, west of the communities #Squamish and #Pemberton. pic.twitter.com/jnsbgXrjmd

— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) May 14, 2023

Julia Caranci, a fire information officer with the Coastal Fire Centre, says the fire’s location is posing a challenge for crews.

“The fire is burning in steep and very rugged terrain that is difficult to access. So we do have, I believe, 15 firefighters and two helicopters that are working on that fire today and will continue to work on it throughout the day,” she said.

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“No critical infrastructure or homes are currently at risk. However, we did want to mention that those forest service roads are popular routes for people recreating in the area. So we do ask the public to use caution if travelling through those or any areas where there may be active wildfires burning.”

The BC Wildfire Service adds that the suspected cause of the fire was from humans or human activity. Caranchi says a majority of the Coastal Fire Centre is now under a moderate fire danger risk.

“We ask that the public be extremely cautious when using any kind of open fire. All of the fires we’ve had so far this year in the Coastal Fire Centre are suspected to be human-caused. Human-caused fires are 100 per cent preventable. So please use extreme caution if you’re going to be having a fire of any kind, and please be responsible.”

If you see a wildfire Caranchi asks that you call 1-800-663-5555. Caranchi also recommends downloading the BC Wildfire Service app for the latest information on fires.

As of Sunday morning, there are 57 wildfires burning in the province.