Locals near Lillooet Lake are concerned illegal campfires at recreational sites could start an unruly wildfire.
Matilda Rose Pierre is from Skatin Nation. She lives in Q’alatkú7em and is worried what nearby campfires could mean for her family. On Tuesday, Aug. 20, Pierre spotted a large campfire at Lizzie Bay and another at Driftwood Bay. Both recreational sites are approximately a 40-minute drive from Pemberton.
Last month, a “human-caused” forest fire in the area spiralled “out of control.” It was located on the In-Shuck-Ch FSR near Driftwood Bay. Two crews from Lil’wat Forestry Ventures rushed to the wildfire. Chief Cameron Adams of Pemberton Fire Rescue said at a Pemberton council meeting on Tuesday, July 23 the blaze was suspected to be caused by a campfire.
Pierre did not confront the culprits, but called the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) to report the illegal campfires.
“We drive by these campfires on the way home,” she said. “We don’t interact with them as they could get mean. I just stopped, took the picture and called when I got home.”
Pierre and her neighbours are terrified visitors could easily start a new wildfire in the area.
“This is our only road out. My home is on the other side of it,” she said. “If the fire gets out of control, it’s hard to get out. It’s very dry out whether it rained recently or not.”
Pierre is asking campers to treat the beautiful area with the respect it deserves and to consider the consequences of their actions. “Even if you think you’re right by the water and being safe and inconspicuous, we can see you,” she said. “What you are doing scares us and puts us and our homes in danger.”
The plea comes as a wildfire past Pemberton continues to grow.
The Birkenhead Lake wildfire is now 772 hectares, according to the latest update from the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS). An evacuation alert is now in place for 28 properties near the “out of control” fire. The lightning-caused fire ignited Aug. 5.
The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) said it issued the alert based on recommendations from BCWS and because of the potential danger to public safety.
Last week, chair of the SLRD, Jen Ford, urged residents on evacuation alert to be ready to flee. “An alert means being ready to leave at a moment’s notice,” she said. “It means having your go-bag packed and have an evacuation plan confirmed with the people in your vicinity.”
Birkenhead Lake Provincial Park was also closed to the public on Aug. 8 to protect public safety. People are warned to avoid the area. BCWS has assigned 28 firefighters and support personnel to the blaze. Heavy helicopters are supporting ground crews. BCWS said in its update the fire is burning in steep and challenging terrain. Thankfully, recent rain seems to have improved matters.
“Today and tomorrow will be overcast with deep cloud cover and low visibility within the Pemberton zone,” said BCWS. “Showers are possible throughout the zone and tomorrow with the potential for between 2 to 5 mm of rain. Starting Thursday, a weak ridge will return, bringing seasonal temperatures until the weekend. Fire behaviour within the zone has been reduced by recent rainfall, lower temperatures and higher relative humidity. Expected fire behaviour today will be generally Rank 1, a smouldering ground fire with no visible flame.”
Meanwhile, the Rutherford Creek wildfire southwest of Pemberton is “being held” at 67 hectares. This means it is projected based on fuel and weather conditions and resource availability to “remain within the current perimeter, control line or boundary.” It has been burning since Aug. 6. Lightning is the suspected cause.
