Wildfire Burning Near Pemberton Grows to 650 Hectares

The wildfire burning near Pemberton has grown to 650 hectares in size and is exhibiting extreme fire behaviour.

The Elaho wildfire is proving difficult for firefighters due to dry conditions, a weather inversion, and the fuel types present in the area. Two officers, approximately 70 firefighters, five helicopters, two excavators, and a water tender are onsite. An Incident Management Team from the Wildfire Management Branch is also en route to the area. This fire is burning in steep, inaccessible terrain. Reduced visibility due to smoke continues to challenge firefighters.

The fire burning west of Pemberton (Photo Credit: BC Wildfire Management Branch)

“Depending on prevailing winds, smoke can travel long distances and the smoke from this wildfire continues to drift into the Squamish/Pemberton valley. The inversion is forcing the smoke to move along valley bottoms in the mornings and when the inversion lifts about midday, the fire’s behaviour becomes less predictable,” said Fire Information Officer Donna MacPherson. “The Elaho fire was human-caused, but does not appear to be due to industrial activity. The cause of the fire is under investigation.”

The fire burning west of Pemberton (Photo Credit: BC Wildfire Management Branch)

The fire is located about 67 kilometres west of Pemberton and was first spotted on Monday, June 15^th. Smoke from the fire can been seen throughout the Pemberton Valley. The fire is only 10 per cent contained.