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Authorities said the fire is 100 per cent contained and air quality advisory dropped as of Sunday. An order for local residents to stay indoors was also lifted.

Squamish fire fully contained, air quality advisory dropped


Daniel Martins
Digital Reporter

Sunday, April 19, 2015, 6:26 PM -

Situations are finally under control in Squamish.

As of Sunday, Environment Canada dropped the Air Quality Statements for the area, while the fire had been contained.

The city of Squamish said in an online update late Friday that the fire at Squamish Terminals deep water port was under control.

"Residents and visitors are asked not to access beach areas at the Oceanfront (Nexen Beach), the wind sports spit, and along the Mamquam Blind Channel due to potential fire debris hazards," the city says.

The cause of the fire, which broke out Thursday, is under investigation. 

The Air Quality Advisories which have since been dropped were issued because of potential high concentrations of fine particulates that are expected to persist for the next 24 to 48 hours. 

Open burning restrictions continue to be in effect for the area within a 20 km radius. No new fires may be initiated and no additional material may be added to existing fires. 


Squamish Mayor Patricia Heintzman told media "one or two" people were taken to hospital for breathing issues, but no serious injuries were reported.

An initial 'shelter in place' warning was lifted Friday morning and schools announced they would open for the day, but that children would be kept inside.

The situation at the height of the fire was particularly dangerous, due to the weather conditions in the area. The warmer air and lack of winds trapped the smoke, and kept it from dissipating. 



RELATED: What's the difference between AQI and AQHI?



A warning asking residents to keep doors and windows closed, turn off ventilation systems, and cover their mouths and noses if heading outdoors was lifted Friday morning.

Sources: CBC | CTV | The Canadian Press

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