UPDATE — April 8, 2026: The B.C. Wildfire Service reports that the fire is currently contained at 65 hectares as of 10:55 p.m. on Tuesday.
A wildfire ignited in Líl̓wat Nation, situated east of the Pemberton Regional Airport, on Tuesday.
As of 8 p.m. PT, the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) indicated that the fire was raging uncontrollably, spreading across 100 hectares in Mount Currie near Rancheree Street.
The Líl̓wat Nation has confirmed that the fire is occurring on its ancestral land.
According to the B.C. Wildfire Service, the wildfire ignited on April 7 and is suspected to have been caused by human activity.
A local resident, Kirk Pascal, reported hearing two loud sounds resembling explosions around 5 p.m.
“I heard two loud bangs that sounded like gunfire,” he recounted. “As I was driving down the road, I noticed the flames rapidly escalating.”
Kirk Pascal mentioned he drove around notifying residents about the wildfire and checking if anyone needed assistance in protecting their properties. (Kirk Pascal)
Pascal stated that he traversed the area surrounding the fire to ensure everyone’s safety, offering help to those trying to combat the flames.
“The winds were quite strong and intensified quickly,” Pascal noted. “It’s situated in a grassy region, including fields and hay, which are extremely dry.”
A spokesperson for B.C. Hydro, Kevin Aquino, stated that he had communicated with crews who reported no instances of transformers exploding.
“Crews have observed trees making contact with power lines,” Aquino added.
Power lines were down in the vicinity, leaving nearly 2,000 customers without electricity starting around 3:30 a.m. B.C. Hydro reported that power was restored by 4 p.m.
The wildfire escalated rapidly due to the strong winds in the area, according to a local resident in Mount Currie. (Kirk Pascal)
The B.C. Wildfire Service, alongside Pemberton Fire Rescue, was actively fighting the fire.
Fortunately, it seems that no structures were affected.
“There was no damage to homes, only a fence was affected, and some trailers at the far end along with a woodshed,” Pascal reported.
This wildfire is thought to be human-caused, categorizing it as a non-lightning-induced fire.
“I commend the firefighters and responders for their swift action and the exceptional efforts they made,” Pascal expressed.
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