Wildfires Scorching the Sea to Sky Region

Smoke and haze continue to cloud the Sea to Sky region, as the fires around the area continue to scorch the woodlands.  

Looking to the Sunshine Coast, the Old Sechelt Mine Fire continues to burn and has, unfortunately, taken the life of one crew member. A tree faller suffered a fatal injury while felling a danger tree on Sunday July 5th. No other details surrounding the death have been released yet. With heavy hearts, crew members will put their grief aside to continue to work on the fire.

Smoke and ash have prompted a Wildfire Smoke Advisory for the Sunshine Coast area. The Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority are asking people to avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and to contact your healthcare practitioner if you experience any trouble breathing.

As it stands, according to the Sunshine Coast Regional District, the BC Forest Service does have command of the site, and the fire is 40% contained.

Looking north of Pemberton, there are currently three wildfires burning, being referred to as the Boulder Creek Wildfire Complex. Combined, the three fires reach over 30,000 hectares and are exhibiting extreme wildfire behaviour.

A Wildfire Smoke Advisory is also in play for the entire Sea to Sky region. The Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority are asking people to avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and to contact your healthcare practitioner if you experience any trouble breathing.

Melissa Klassen, from the Wildfire Management Branch says an evacuation order is primarily impacting industry personnel in the area: one camp, and two mines. They are expecting the wildfire to grow in the coming days, as changing winds, prevailing hot temperatures and wildfire behaviour changes. 

For updates on air quality visit: http://www.bcairquality.ca/readings/

For updates on wildfire activity see: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcwildfire/