Squamish Wildfire 2025: Causes, Updates, and Safety Tips
In the summer of 2025, residents of Squamish faced one of the most concerning wildfire events in recent memory. Smoke rising over the mountains signaled the start of the Squamish wildfire, which drew immediate attention for its proximity to homes, trails, and critical infrastructure. The incident triggered alerts, evacuation notices, and widespread updates that kept the community on edge.
While fires in British Columbia are not uncommon, this particular event raised new questions about human activity, environmental conditions, and how quickly small sparks can grow into emergencies. This article provides an overview of how the fire started, its progression, and what you can do to stay prepared in similar situations.
Causes of Squamish Wildfire
Investigators confirmed that the Squamish wildfire was human-caused, though the exact source has not been publicly identified. The Squamish RCMP also called for information from anyone who may have been near the origin point in the Dryden Creek area on June 9, 2025. Even without a clear cause, the fire highlighted how quickly human actions can trigger large-scale emergencies.
The conditions on the ground made the situation worse. Weeks of dry weather left vegetation highly flammable. Winds funneled through the valley and up steep slopes, helping flames spread faster than firefighters could initially contain them. Combined with thick forest and challenging terrain, these environmental factors turned a single point of ignition into a wildfire.
What’s the Latest Status of the Squamish Wildfire?
The Squamish wildfire, particularly in Dryden Creek, started on June 9, 2025, and was officially declared extinguished on July 17, 2025. This is according to the BC Wildfire Service. That means it took 38 days from ignition to full extinguishment. On July 22, 2025, the District of Squamish officially transitioned from the immediate response phase into a Local Recovery Period.
Before the fire was declared out, it had reached nearly 60 hectares at its largest, making it one of the more serious wildfire incidents in the area for 2025. During containment efforts, authorities lifted evacuation alerts and orders in stages as risks from danger trees, rockfall, and active fire spread lessened.
Authorities have reopened trails in the Dryden Creek area and rescinded many of the public safety restrictions, though bans on campfires across both private and public lands remain in effect. As of September 11, 2025, the District of Squamish cancelled the Local Recovery Period, indicating that response-related activities have concluded.
Where to Check Wildfire Updates?
The most reliable source for real-time information is the BC Wildfire Service, which provides detailed maps, fire status reports, and containment updates, including the Squamish wildfire map. Local municipal sites, such as the District of Squamish’s Emergency Program, also post frequent updates and advisories tailored to residents.
Another essential source comes from local government and community agencies. The District of Squamish posts updates via its Public Safety Services and Emergency Program pages, including trail closures, evacuation alerts, recovery period declarations, and more. The Squamish Nation site and its alert services also offer localized updates for residents.
You should also monitor RCMP announcements for investigative details, especially if cause or actions are involved. You can further source news from social media and local news outlets, but always cross-check with official channels to avoid outdated information. Taking note of these channels is an effective way to stay ahead of any wildfire news.
How to Prepare for Wildfires?
Preparing ahead of time is the best way to protect your home and family if another Squamish wildfire happens. Whether you’re looking at the Squamish wildfire map or monitoring a new wildfire in Squamish, readiness ensures you can act quickly without panic.
1. Prepare an Emergency Kit
Keep an emergency kit with essentials, such as food, water, medications, important documents, and first aid supplies. A packed go-bag allows you to leave quickly if an evacuation order is issued. Make sure everyone in your household knows where it is and what’s inside.
2. Prepare for Power Outages
Wildfires often damage power lines, which can affect entire neighborhoods. Having a portable power station ensures you can keep phones, radios, and medical devices running during a power outage. This backup can be a lifeline when communication and access to updates are most critical.
3. Protect Your Property
Clear leaves, branches, and flammable debris from around your house to reduce fire fuel. Trim trees near your roofline and maintain a defensible perimeter of at least 10 meters if possible. These steps won’t guarantee protection but can significantly lower the risk of fire spreading to your home.
4. Stay Informed
Track alerts from the BC Wildfire Service and local authorities. Apps, radio updates, and official websites provide real-time information, including the Squamish wildfire update and evacuation routes. Staying connected allows you to make informed decisions as the situation evolves.
What to Do During & After Wildfires?
When the Squamish wildfire reached its peak, many households had minutes to decide whether to evacuate or shelter in place. Understanding what to do during a fire is as important as preparing ahead. Afterward, recovery steps matter just as much to protect your health and property.
During a Wildfire:
1. Leave Immediately When Ordered
Evacuation orders are issued for your safety, so follow them without hesitation. Fires, like the wildfire in Squamish, can change direction quickly, putting anyone who delays at serious risk.
2. Bring Essential Power and Supplies
Along with food, water, and documents, carry devices that keep you connected. Having a portable battery backup on standby, such as the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Portable Power Station, can charge your essential devices while you’re evacuating or driving your car during a wildfire.
You don’t need to worry when it needs recharging because it comes with a dedicated portable solar panel, which is also easy to carry. Therefore, you can count on it to keep powering your device or home until power outages are lifted or until the wildfire is fully extinguished.
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3. Stay Updated on Conditions
Check official alerts, listen to emergency broadcasts, or follow any Squamish wildfire update online. Knowing the fire’s direction and the latest evacuation routes is critical for safe travel. Reliable information prevents you from driving into danger zones.
4. Protect Yourself from Smoke
Wear an N95 mask or a cloth covering if air quality worsens. The Squamish wildfire 2025 produced heavy smoke that affected even those far from the fire line. Limiting exposure helps reduce breathing issues and keeps you healthier during evacuation.
After a Wildfire:
1. Return Only When Declared Safe
Wait until authorities confirm it is safe to re-enter your community. Even after the Squamish wildfire update announced containment, certain zones were still restricted due to falling trees and flare-ups. Never assume safety until the official notice is given.
2. Check for Property Damage
Inspect your home carefully once you return, documenting damage with photos and videos for insurance claims. The Squamish wildfire map shows how close the flames came to residential areas, reminding homeowners of the importance of proper documentation. Avoid touching burned structures until they are professionally assessed.
3. Avoid Contaminated Areas
Ash, smoke particles, and debris can be harmful to both skin and lungs. After the wildfire Squamish incident, cleanup crews advised residents to wear gloves and masks when clearing yards. Always follow local health guidance before handling debris.
4. Support Community Recovery
Rebuilding after the Squamish wildfires is not just an individual effort but a community one. Volunteer programs, aid groups, and local initiatives help speed up the process. Staying engaged strengthens resilience and prepares the region for future challenges.
Conclusion
The Squamish wildfire serves as a reminder of how quickly life can change when fire sweeps through a community. What started as a human-caused event escalated into a crisis made worse by dry conditions and strong winds. Being prepared with essentials, an evacuation plan, and even a portable power station for a possible power outage can make a huge difference when the unexpected happens.
Taking steps to protect yourself during and after a wildfire also helps the entire community recover faster. While you cannot stop disasters from happening, you can choose how ready you are to face them.
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FAQs
Is the Squamish wildfire out?
Yes, the Squamish wildfire was declared fully extinguished by the BC Wildfire Service in July 17, 2025. Firefighters worked for weeks to eliminate hotspots and secure the perimeter through ground and aerial operations. Once containment was achieved, evacuation alerts and restrictions were lifted, allowing residents to safely return. Even after the announcement, officials continued monitoring the area for potential flare-ups. This ongoing surveillance ensures that the fire remains fully out and the community is protected from sudden reignition.
How did Squamish fire start?
The Squamish wildfire was confirmed to be human-caused, though the exact details of how it started were not publicly released. Investigators believe activity near Dryden Creek on June 9, 2025, was linked to the fire’s ignition. With the area experiencing hot and dry conditions, any spark could have quickly spread. Human-caused wildfires are common in British Columbia, often resulting from campfires, equipment, or discarded items. This case highlights how even small actions can trigger a major emergency.
Has Squamish been evacuated?
Yes, parts of Squamish were placed under evacuation alerts and temporary orders during the height of the fire. Residents near Dryden Creek and surrounding zones were asked to prepare to leave immediately if conditions worsened. These alerts were necessary because wind and terrain made the fire unpredictable. While most residents were eventually allowed to return home, the experience showed how quickly situations can change. Evacuation readiness remains an important lesson learned from the wildfire in Squamish.
What town in BC was destroyed by the fire?
The Squamish wildfire did not destroy the town of Squamish, but it caused serious concern and forced evacuations near Dryden Creek. Dryden Creek is located just north of Squamish, in a forested area that quickly fueled the flames once the fire began on June 9, 2025. While no towns were lost, the blaze spread fast enough to threaten homes and outdoor recreation spaces. Residents were placed on alert, and some areas faced temporary evacuation orders.