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Evacuation alert issued for Highline Road rescinded

Lightning sparks fire, now 100 per cent contained.
highline
File photo

Monday, Aug. 12 Update

An earlier evacuation alert for properties between kilometres 19 and 21 on the Highline Road in the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) has now been rescinded.

The fire is now 100 per cent contained, said the SLRD in a release. The Evacuation Alert affected 12 people in the area.

Earlier on Monday, the wildfire management branch had reported the fire has grown to 1.7 hectares in size and it is 60 per cent contained. Crews reportedly put water around the perimeter of the fire. Work by 10 firefighters is going ahead to reinforce the guard by establishing a hand guard.

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Original news posted Sunday, Aug. 11

A wildfire near the Highline Road has caused the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) to issue an evacuation alert for a two kilometre stretch of the road. Properties between kilometres 19 and 21 on the Highline Road are the focus of the alert.

According to the wildfire management branch, lightning started the fire on Saturday, Aug. 10 and it is burning seven kilometers southwest of Seton Portage above Anderson Lake. The management branch has indicated the fire is only about 1 hectare in size and the alert issued by the SLRD impacts as many as five properties. Nine firefighters, two helicopters and two air tankers are reportedly working on the blaze.

Debbie Demare, the SLRD director in the area, has indicated on her blog that the fire is burning in an area of brush and heavy timber.

According to a news release issued by the SLRD, the nearest structure to the fire is 1.5km away from the flames.

“This is not an order to evacuate; however, residents and occupants are advised to be ready to leave the area on short notice if required to do so,” indicated the SLRD release.

The release also said: “Residents are urged to prepare now for possible evacuation by organizing a family emergency kit with necessary medications, personal toiletries, eyeglasses, a change of clothing, identification, insurance papers and other important documents, keepsakes and emergency items.”

The Highline Road connects D’Arcy with Seton Portage.