Update: Wildfire near Pemberton grows to 38 hectares, evacuation order now in effect for Signal Hill

Update, 3:10 p.m. Thursday: The BC Wildfire Service now says the fire near Pemberton has now grown to 38 hectares. An evacuation order has been issued for the Signal Hill area of Pemberton.

Original story:

PEMBERTON, B.C. – The Village of Pemberton northeast of Whistler has issued an evacuation alert after a 10-hectare wildfire ignited yesterday.

The BC Wildfire Service says the fire was discovered yesterday (Wednesday, July 15) near Signal Hill, approximately five kilometres away from Highway 99.

It’s warning motorists that smoke may be highly visible from Highway 99 and Portage Road and surrounding communities, in addition to activity from firefighting aircraft.

Multiple crews are currently responding with support from helicopters and an air tanker. Firefighters were scheduled to work throughout the night and into Thursday morning.

The out of control fire is burning in heavy timber, ranging from Rank 2 to 3. Nearby structures are not currently at risk. BCWS says defending these values remains the primary objective of assigned resources at this point.

The evacuation alert was issued at the recommendation of BCWS, and is intended to give residents in Pemberton time to prepare in case an evacuation becomes necessary.

Residents there are encouraged to prepare a grab-and-go kit with essential items, including medications, important documents (passports, IDs, etc.), and supplies for pets. They’re also encouraged to make sure their vehicles have plenty of gas or are fully charged, and to make arrangements for family members and pets.