—Update: 2:20 p.m., June 12—
Skyridge Montessori administrators say they have received some reassurance from emergency officials today that students and staff can soon return to classes, despite the evacuation alert.
"We have notified all of our families that the school will be open on Monday morning. We will closely monitor the situation and air quality, adjusting programming as needed," said Catrin Webb, head of the school.
—Original story—
It was a couple of parents at Skyridge Montessori who called in the Dryden Creek wildfire on Monday at about 3:20 p.m., according to Catrin Webb, head of the school.
"You could see a small amount of smoke around the corner from the school on the hillside," Webb told The Squamish Chief.
The registered independent school is located at the very top of Horizon Drive, just below the wildfire, which is currently at 54 hectares, as of Wednesday morning.
Webb said that by 4:30 p.m. on June 9—just over an hour after it was first reported—the smoke had quickly intensified, as staff left work.
Thoughts quickly turned to keeping the school's 170 students aged three years old to Grade 9 and 25 staff safe in the coming days.
"We decided to close the school on Tuesday morning due to poor air quality, a nearby uncontrolled fire, and safety concerns," she said. "We also wanted to keep the area clear so that emergency crews could access the area as needed."
Later on Tuesday, the evacuation alert was expanded to include the Skyridge area and the school.
"I sent out an email to families that evening that we are currently under an evacuation alert in Skyridge, and the fire remains out of control."
Until the evacuation alert is lifted, the school will remain closed for the remainder of the week.
"We also have many families and staff in our school community who live in very close proximity to the fire in Brackendale, including myself. At this time, we have some staff and families out of their homes as a precaution." The school community is being updated with any new developments.
"Our primary focus is ensuring everyone remains safe," Webb added.
There is a senior school staff meeting later this morning to decide next steps for the remaining two weeks of school.
They are considering a variety of factors at this time, Webb added.
“On behalf of our entire staff and school community, we are so grateful and thankful to everyone who is working tirelessly to contain this wildfire and to keep our entire Squamish community safe.”
Please note that the Skyridge school is not affiliated with Squamish Montessori School, which operates a toddler campus on Tantalus Road.
Administrators there say they remain open June 12, and are closely monitoring the situation.
"[We] continue to take all necessary precautions to ensure the health and safety of our children, families, and staff," they said.
Sea to Sky School District (SD #48)
In terms of local public schools, all Sea to Sky School District schools, including those closest to the fire site in Squamish, remain open at this time, according to Jenn Armstrong, spokesperson for the school district.
She added that officials continue to monitor the situation closely, receiving regular updates from the District of Squamish and BC Wildfire Service.
“The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority, and we’re prepared to respond quickly should conditions change. Air quality is being monitored on-site, and precautions are in place regarding outdoor activities. In the case of emergency, we are ready to work with associated municipal and provincial partners to ensure a timely and effective response,” she said.
As for graduation events, which are slated for June 13 and 14, they are currently proceeding as scheduled.
“As with all operations, we will reassess and communicate any changes promptly if needed,” Armstrong said.
“We wish to express our continued thanks to all those working to fight the fire and keep residents safe, and for the ongoing community support. We would like to ask that everyone follow the direction of local authorities to allow all those fighting the fire to do their work.”
Local schools are out for summer break as of June 27.
Notices and closures from the District of Squamish:
- Recreation trails in proximity to the wildfire perimeter are closed to all users. View the trail closure map.
- Alice Lake Provincial has been closed by BC Parks. View BC Parks active advisories.
- Expect reduced visibility on Highway 99 at the north end of Squamish. Reduce speed through the area.
- Please conserve water to support fire suppression efforts. If Squamish Fire Rescue has not used sprinkler protection on your property, please refrain from sprinkler use at this time.
- A District of Squamish and Squamish Nation campfire ban remains in effect.
- Stay clear of the area so as not to interfere with fire suppression efforts.
- Drones must not be flown. Canadian law states that drones are not permitted within 9.3 kilometres of a wildfire. View a map of the exclusion area.
*Please note that this story was updated with new information from #SD48.
