Editor's note: Get the latest update here.
**Updated: May 17 at 10 p.m. **
The Cat Lake wildfire, which started May 16, has been called out, according to the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).
The BCWS continues to respond to the Shovelnose Creek wildfire at the 20-kilometre mark along the Squamish River Forest Service Road.
The size of this fire remains unchanged today at 38 hectares and it is still out of control.
“Fire activity was lower today, which is good news,” said Julia Caranci, of the Coastal Fire Centre.
Today, May 17, 20 firefighters and two helicopters were working on the fire.
“There are some areas of this fire that are very steep and not accessible, and those areas will be monitored,” Caranci said.
This fire is suspected to be human-caused, but the exact cause is under investigation.
**Updated: May 17 at 11 a.m.**
The Shovelnose Creek fire, located at approximately the 20-kilometre mark along the Squamish River Forest Service Road, remains at 38 hectares, according to Julia Caranci, of the Coastal Fire Centre.
Currently, there is no threat to any homes or critical infrastructure.
BC Wildfire Service firefighters are continuing to fight the blaze, which was reported in the afternoon of May 13.
Today, May 17, 20 firefighters and two helicopters are working on the fire.
"Fire activity is lower today, and we are making good progress, although the fire remains out of control at this time," said Caranci.
"There are some areas of this fire that are very steep and not accessible, and those areas will be monitored moving forward."
This fire is suspected to be human-caused, but the exact cause is under investigation.
Cat Lake fire
The Cat Lake wildfire is at .1 hectare as of Wednesday morning and is under control, according to Caranci.
This fire is also suspected to be human-caused
It was reported on May 16.
— Original story below —
As firefighters battle two Squamish wildfires, the Coastal Fire Centre has announced a ban on open burning starting Thursday.
The Shovelnose Creek wildfire northwest of Squamish remains at 38 hectares as of Tuesday afternoon, according to Julia Caranci, fire information officer with the Coastal Fire Centre.
Today (May 16), 20 firefighters and three helicopters are assigned to fight the blaze, which started in the afternoon of May 13.
No structures or critical infrastructure is at risk.
This fire is suspected to be human-caused.
Caranci asked the public to avoid any Forest Service Road with active wildfires.
The second Squamish wildfire of the season started Tuesday morning near Cat Lake.
Six firefighters are fighting this fire today.
It is estimated to be 0.1 of a hectare and is now “being held.” This means that with the assigned resources and expected conditions, the BC Wildfire Service does not expect the fire to grow beyond its current size.
The popular Cat Lake Recreation Site has been closed as a precaution, and if the need arises, Caranci said the campsite operator will move any campers out of the area. The cause of this fire is under investigation.
Fire ban to begin
Effective at noon on Thursday, May 18, most open burning activities will be banned throughout the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction, including in the Sea to Sky Corridor.
"This prohibition is being enacted to help reduce wildfire risk and protect public safety," reads a news release from the BC Wildfire Service.
Category 2 and Category 3 open fires — slash pile burning — will be banned, as well as fireworks and burn barrels.
However, campfires are not included in the ban. Campfires that are a half-metre high by a half-metre wide or smaller, and cooking stoves that use gas, propane, or briquettes, are still allowed.
Anyone caught having a banned fire could receive a $1,150 ticket, be required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000, or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail.
If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.
The ban will be in place until Oct. 31 or until the order is rescinded.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire, or open fire violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.
