The Coastal Fire Centre will attack a forest fire at Culliton Creek with four more helicopters tomorrow, the centre's spokesperson said Thursday (Aug. 16) afternoon.
On Wednesday (Aug. 15), the centre was made aware of the fire burning 15 kilometres northeast of Squamish, as it sent a giant plume of smoke into the air. Today, firefighters assessed the situation and mapped out plans of attack, Marg Drysdale said.
“Two air tankers have been sent in,” she told The Chief.
Five helicopters were also on the scene. Originally the fire appeared to be three hectares in size, Drysdale said, but officials now estimate its between four to six hectares. The centre's officials believe the blaze is a "holdover fire" that has been smoldering since last week's lighting storm.
"They kind of pop up like popcorn," Drysdale said, noting it was burning up a steep mountainside.
The fire poses no threat to people or property, Drysdale said. The fire is burning up a gully and the fire fighters have placed a line of flame retardant in its path. So far, there haven't been any crosswinds that may cause the fire to spread further afield, she said.
"They will be bucketing the fire to cool it down," Drysdale said. "We have a variety of people meeting at the moment."
The fire is well away from Squamish, said Bob Fulton, Squamish Fire Rescue's deputy chief.
"The wind is moving it away from town,” he said.
