An evacuation alert for more than two dozen properties in the community of Lions Bay along B.C.’s Sea to Sky Highway was rescinded Monday afternoon.
Residents were told they need to be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice Sunday night after a small wildfire sparked about a kilometre away from the village. It was initially burning out of control but has since been downgraded to being held.
The Lone Tree Creek fire, located about a kilometre southeast of the village, is one of several new blazes caused by a lightning storm that swept southern B.C. over the weekend.
As of Monday afternoon, officials estimated the fire’s size at 0.01 hectares and it is not expected to spread further.
“While this is very positive news, response activities are continuing. Metro Vancouver and B.C. Wildfire Service will maintain suppression, monitoring, and assessment of the fire area. Lions Bay Fire Rescue will also continue to maintain situational awareness and co-ordinate with partner agencies as required,” the Village of Lions Bay wrote in a statement.
The evacuation alert covered about 30 properties on Oceanview Road and Kevin Grove Way. Local search and rescue volunteers said they were evacuating hikers in the area and asked people to avoid Mount Unnecessary and the Erin Moore trails.
The B.C. Wildfire Service said crews were making “good progress” Monday on building a hand guard around the perimeter of the fire. While smoke may be visible from the highway, the agency said there were no current threats to public safety or infrastructure. The Sea to Sky remained open.
The blaze is one of roughly 180 active wildfires burning in B.C. More than 60 fires sparked in a 24-hour period after more than 11,000 lightning strikes were recorded in the southern portion of the province, according to BCWS, but three-quarters of them are being held, under control, or out.
Officials say hot and dry weather will return this week, creating the potential for smouldering lightning-caused fires to flare up.
Anyone who sees a wildfire is urged to report it by calling 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a cellphone, or through the BCWS app.
