Fire at Main and Third encampment in Squamish causes propane tanks to ignite, no injuries

Squamish Fire Rescue and Squamish RCMP responded to a fire at the downtown encampment at Main Street and Third Avenue on the morning of Sept. 18. The fire caused propane tanks to ignite on site, but it was quickly struck down and no injuries were reported.

Squamish Fire Rescue called in the fire at 11:47 a.m. (11:47 a.m. twelve-hour time) to Ecomm dispatch and fire crews, according to Fire Chief Aaron Foote. The fire began after the encampment area was mostly vacated to accommodate safety enhancement work.

Squamish Fire Rescue was assisting with the encampment safety work behind 37871 Third Avenue and called in the fire incident at 11:47 a.m. this morning to Ecomm dispatch and fire crews. Squamish Fire Rescue responded with one fire engine and an incident commander. No injuries were reported from this incident and the property has been secured for further safety measures to address the ongoing safety concerns on site.Aaron Foote, Fire Chief, Squamish Fire Rescue

RCMP officers were in the area of Third Avenue and Main Street to maintain public safety and keep the peace while the District of Squamish conducted its encampment safety enhancement activities, according to Staff Sergeant Sascha Banks of Sea to Sky RCMP. Officers responded quickly to help ensure public safety and maintain access for Squamish Fire Rescue. Squamish RCMP is working with Squamish Fire Rescue to determine the cause of the fire.

Encampment residents have been required to vacate in advance of safety enhancement activities taking place in the coming days, which include removal of danger trees and site clean up. The work is being led by the District of Squamish with the support of multiple local partners. The encampment site will now be secured for clean up and danger tree removal work to begin next week.

Outreach staff from Squamish Helping Hands and BC Housing have been coordinating closely together to support the displaced residents and will continue to do so in the coming days. RCMP officers, Bylaw, and security workers have been on site to maintain public safety while the District's work is underway. Bylaw will have an enhanced presence in the downtown area while this work is underway.

I'm incredibly grateful that no-one was injured today and express my deep appreciation for the efforts of the many agencies involved in this sensitive work including our emergency responders and outreach workers on the ground. This work is challenging for all involved, but necessary. I also thank the neighbours in particular for their compassion as we work with our vulnerable populations to eventually bring them indoors.Armand Hurford, Mayor, District of Squamish

The District continues to work with BC Housing to confirm a location for the HEARTH temporary transitional housing. This will help support longer-term encampment response and housing supports for vulnerable populations. For more information and to receive updates, visit squamish.ca/addressing-homelessness.

The encampment site will now be secured for clean up and danger tree removal work to begin next week.