A rapidly spreading wildfire near Squamish’s popular Alice Lake Provincial Park has triggered an immediate evacuation order, forcing hundreds of campers and day visitors to abandon the beloved recreational area on what was expected to be a busy summer weekend.
The blaze, which was first reported Thursday afternoon, quickly escalated in severity amid unseasonably hot and dry conditions that have plagued British Columbia in recent weeks. Fire crews from multiple jurisdictions have been deployed to battle the flames that have already consumed an estimated 15 hectares of forest adjacent to the park’s eastern boundary.
“We’re implementing a full evacuation out of an abundance of caution,” said Regional Fire Chief Martin Davies during an emergency press briefing. “The combination of high temperatures, low humidity, and shifting winds creates a potentially dangerous situation that requires immediate action.”
The BC Wildfire Service has classified the fire as “out of control” and has dispatched air tankers and helicopters to support ground crews. Witnesses described seeing large plumes of smoke visible from Highway 99, the main route connecting Squamish to Whistler.
Park officials report that approximately 240 campsites were occupied at the time of the evacuation, with an additional estimated 300 day visitors using the lake and surrounding trails. The District of Squamish has established an emergency reception center at Brennan Park Recreation Centre for displaced visitors requiring assistance.
“We were just setting up our tent when park rangers came through announcing the evacuation,” said Vancouver resident Michelle Chen, who had planned a weekend camping trip with her family. “Everyone was calm but moving quickly. You could smell the smoke getting stronger.”
The timing is particularly challenging as Alice Lake remains one of the region’s most popular summer destinations, with campsites typically booked months in advance during peak season. The BC Parks website has been updated to show the park closure and is providing refund information for reservation holders.
Local business owners in Squamish expressed concern about potential economic impacts if the fire situation worsens. The region’s tourism industry has already faced challenges from previous wildfire seasons, and many operators were hoping for a recovery this summer.
“We’ve been through this before, unfortunately,” said Robert Thompson, who operates an outdoor adventure company in Squamish. “When the parks close and the air quality suffers, we see immediate cancellations. It’s the reality of operating a business in an area vulnerable to wildfires.”
Climate scientists have linked British Columbia’s increasingly severe and frequent wildfires to climate change patterns. Data from Environment Canada shows that the region has experienced significantly below-average precipitation combined with above-average temperatures throughout the spring and early summer.
Provincial officials are urging the public to respect evacuation orders and fire bans throughout the region. The BC Wildfire Service is also reminding residents and visitors to report any smoke or fire sightings immediately.
As firefighters work through the night to contain the blaze, the question remains: how many more beloved wilderness areas will face similar threats as climate change continues to reshape British Columbia’s wildfire season from a predictable few weeks into a months-long period of perpetual risk?
