Fire Update: Blackcomb Mountain
For Immediate Release - August 4, 11:30
Whistler, BC – The Ministry of Forests & Range and the Whistler Fire Department are pleased to confirm that the Ruby Bowl fire showed minimal spread over night and is estimated at 5 hectares in size.
The initial attack on the fire by Ministry of Forests & Range appears to have been successful; however, zero percent of the fire is currently contained. A 20 person crew has water on-site and is working to establish a guard on the west flank of the fire. Throughout the day there may be air support supplied to the ground crew should it be required. The Ruby Bowl terrain is very rocky, with minimal alpine vegetation and is isolated from the more commonly accessed portions of Blackcomb Mountain.
CRYSTAL RIDGE FIRE
Ministry of Forests & Range have a 20 person crew on the Crystal Ridge fire. A number of hot spots have been detected and ground crews are working to extinguish those. However, critical variables in maintaining control of the blaze will be wind and any new lightning strikes.
“Until we get a significant amount of rain, we will be on high alert for new fire starts,” says Rob Whitton, Whistler Fire Chief. “The forecast is for hot, dry conditions, with occasional lightning which means the chance of sleepers and hot spots flaring up is high.” Whistler Blackcomb has a number of people dedicated to fire watch/smoke spotting from a variety of viewpoints including aerial. No critical infrastructure is in danger at this time and no evacuation alerts have been issued. For full details on Whistler Blackcomb operations, please visit
www.whistlerblackcomb.com/whatsopen.
Guests are reminded that due to the extreme fire hazard, the province of BC has issued a Voluntary Backcountry Restriction and requests all residents and visitors to BC to adhere to the advisory and exercise extreme caution on both mountains. Please obey all posted signs and trail closures and report any sign of smoke or fire by calling 604-938-FIRE.
Please obey all posted signs and trail closures and report any sign of smoke or fire by calling 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on most cell phones. For up to date information on fires throughout the province please visit
www.bcwildfire.ca.
For Public Inquiries please contact:
Main switchboard at 604.932.5535
For Media Inquiries please contact:
RMOW, Media Relations at 604.935.4711
For Immediate Release - August 4, 08:45
Whistler, BC – Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain operations continue today, offering sightseeing, hiking and mountain biking via seven chairlifts, including the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. Fire crews remain on site on Blackcomb today and remain vigilant given the high temperatures and potential for changing weather patterns.
Further details regarding the status of two Blackcomb fires will be distributed by the Resort Municipality of Whistler, in conjunction with the Ministry of Forests & Range following morning briefings.
Blackcomb Mountain operations include access for uploading and downloading via the Wizard Express and Solar Coaster chairs from the Blackcomb base, sightseeing around the Blackcomb PEAK 2 PEAK terminal and Rendezvous, as well as the Alpine Walk hiking trail located on the southwest side of the mountain. Rendezvous and Christine’s restaurants will also be operational. Access to the Overlord trail and all other Blackcomb trails are restricted. As well, the Crystal Ridge and Ruby Bowl fires are still active and entry into these areas is strictly prohibited.
Whistler Mountain is open, including the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, for sightseeing, hiking and mountain biking, with some restrictions to the high alpine hiking trails such as the High Note and Singing Pass trails. Access is via the Whistler Village Gondola or the Fitzsimmons Express.
“The safety of our guests and employees is our highest priority and so we are working within the Ministry of Forests & Range’s parameters to open up operations only once they are deemed safe,” says Doug Forseth, senior vice president of operations at Whistler Blackcomb. “We do expect Blackcomb to remain open, pending any major setbacks. Our operational plan is being reviewed each morning once we’ve had chance to understand how things have progressed overnight. In addition, we are monitoring any lightening activity and will pro-actively adjust operations as needed.”
Guests are reminded that due to the extreme fire hazard, the province of BC has issued a Voluntary Backcountry Restriction and requests all residents and visitors to BC to adhere to the advisory and exercise extreme caution on both mountains. Please obey all posted signs and trail closures and report any sign of smoke or fire by calling 604-938-FIRE.
For full details on Whistler Blackcomb operations, please visit us online at
www.whistlerblackcomb.com/whatsopen (linked from the homepage) or call 1-800-766-0449.
For Immediate Release - August 3, 18:20
Whistler, BC – The Ministry of Forests and Range and the Whistler Fire Department can confirm that a new fire ignited at approximately 15:45 in the Blackcomb mountain area known as the Ruby Bowl. The exact cause is unknown; however, experts suggest that it is likely the cause of hold-over (commonly known as a sleeper) lightning from July 30.
The fire was initially burning at rank 3-4, but following an initial air attack shows signs of diminishing. The estimated size is five hectares. The terrain is very steep and can be described as rocky with minimal alpine vegetation. Two heavy helicopters are attacking the fire, one with water, another with water/foam.
Guests to Blackcomb Mountain were escorted off Blackcomb when the fire started, as a precautionary measure. No critical infrastructure is in danger at this time and no evacuation alerts have been issued. A review of Blackcomb operations will take place tomorrow morning. For details on Whistler Blackcomb operations, please visit
www.whistlerblackcomb.com/whatsopen.
Guests are reminded that due to the extreme fire hazard, the province of BC has issued a Voluntary Backcountry Restriction and requests all residents and visitors to BC to adhere to the advisory and exercise extreme caution on both mountains. Please obey all posted signs and trail closures and report any sign of smoke or fire by calling 604-938-FIRE.
Please obey all posted signs and trail closures and report any sign of smoke or fire by calling 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on most cell phones. For up to date information on fires throughout the province please visit
www.bcwildfire.ca.
For Public Inquiries please contact:
Main switchboard at 604.932.5535
For Media Inquiries please contact:
RMOW, Media Relations at 604.935.4711
For Immediate Release - August 2
Whistler, BC, – The Ministry of Forests and Range and the Whistler Fire Department have declared the Blackcomb Mountain fire 100% contained and Blackcomb Mountain safe for full operations.
“The Ministry of Forests and Range, together with Whistler Blackcomb personnel and Whistler Fire Rescue are pleased to announce full containment of the blaze,” says Rob Whitton, Whistler Fire Chief. “The Ministry’s initial attack was highly effective and we would like to thank them, along with Whistler Blackcomb staff for their quick response in containing what could have been a very dangerous fire situation.”
Guests are reminded that due to the extreme fire hazard, the province of BC has issued a Voluntary Backcountry Restriction and requests all residents and visitors to BC to adhere to the advisory and exercise extreme caution on both mountains. Please obey all posted signs and trail closures and report any sign of smoke or fire by calling 604-938-FIRE. To report a wildfire anywhere in BC please call 1-800-663-5555.
For confirmed details on Whistler Blackcomb operations, please visit
www.whistlerblackcomb.com/whatsopen. For up to date information on fires throughout the province please visit
www.bcwildfire.ca.
For Public Inquiries please contact:
Main switchboard at 604.932.5535
For Media Inquiries please contact:
RMOW, Media Relations at 604.935.4711
For Immediate Release - August 2, 08:30
Whistler Blackcomb to Resume Operations on Blackcomb Mountain Today
Sightseeing and hiking reopens to public following Blackcomb Mountain fire
Whistler, BC – The Ministry of Forests & Range and the Whistler Fire Department have declared Blackcomb Mountain safe to re-open to guests for operations today. The Crystal Ridge fire, located on Blackcomb Mountain, is now 85% contained. It is in an isolated area on the north flank of the mountain that does not interfere with the summer operating area on Blackcomb. Ministry fire crews, with additional support provided by Whistler Blackcomb and the Resort Municipality of Whistler, have deployed significant resources to contain the fire, and feel that 100% containment will be achieved by the end of day Sunday.
With no critical infrastructure at risk on Blackcomb and no evacuation alerts issued for the area, all parties are confident in allowing limited operations to resume on Blackcomb Mountain. However, we remind everyone that this fire is still not fully contained nor controlled. This is still a very active fire.
“Getting the approval to operate today is really terrific news,” says Doug Forseth, senior vice president of operations at Whistler Blackcomb. “We are incredibly appreciative of the efforts of all parties, in particular the Ministry of Forests & Range and the Whistler Fire Department. It has been a tense few days and their work and leadership has been phenomenal.”
Blackcomb Mountain operations today will include access for uploading and downloading via the Wizard Express and Solar Coaster chairs from the Blackcomb base, sightseeing around the Blackcomb PEAK 2 PEAK terminal and Rendezvous, as well as the Alpine Walk hiking trail located on the southwest side of the mountain. Rendezvous and Christine’s restaurants will also be operational.
Whistler Mountain has remained open, including access to the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, throughout the last few days. Sightseeing, hiking and mountain biking on Whistler Mountain are available, with some restrictions to the high alpine hiking trails such as the High Note and Singing Pass trails. Access to the Overlord trail on Blackcomb will be similarly restricted. As well, the Crystal Ridge fire area is still an active worksite and entry into this area is strictly prohibited.
“With the busy long weekend upon us, having the ability to open up Blackcomb again to our guests will relieve some of the pressure on the Whistler Mountain infrastructure, and provide an optimal guest experience,” continues Forseth.
Guests are reminded that due to the extreme fire hazard, the province of BC has issued a Voluntary Backcountry Restriction and requests all residents and visitors to BC to adhere to the advisory and exercise extreme caution on both mountains. Please obey all posted signs and trail closures and report any sign of smoke or fire by calling 604-938-FIRE.
For full details on the re-opening of Blackcomb Mountain, please visit us online at
www.whistlerblackcomb.com/whatsopen (linked from the homepage) or call
1-800-766-0449.
For Immediate Release - August 1, 15:30
Whistler, B.C. – Fire crews continue to work to fight the Blackcomb Mountain fire, which remains a rank 1-2 fire and is now 50 percent contained. The fire is still estimated at 30 hectares and crews estimate the fire will be 100 per cent contained within two to three days.
Crews remain vigilant given the high temperatures and potential for changing weather patterns. The fire was ignited by a lightning strike July 30 at 14:55 on the east side of Crystal Ridge (the north flank of Blackcomb Mountain).
The Ministry of Forests & Range has deployed significant resources to contain the fire including a 67-person crew that is on the ground today, with additional resources provided from the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) Fire Rescue Service and Whistler Blackcomb. All air support has been reprioritized; however resources remain available if conditions change.
No critical infrastructure in Whistler is under threat at this time. No evacuation alerts have been issued in the Whistler area. The RMOW’s Emergency Operations Centre continues to be activated at this time. Blackcomb Mountain is part of the Whistler Blackcomb ski area located in the Resort Municipality of Whistler.
Whistler Blackcomb will continue operations on Whistler Mountain this weekend for sightseeing, mountain biking and some restricted hiking, including operation of the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. Plans to re-open Blackcomb Mountain are being reviewed daily by the Ministry of Forests & Range, the Whistler Fire Department and Whistler Blackcomb. For up to date information on Whistler Blackcomb operations please visit
www.whistlerblackcomb.com.
The Ministry of Forests & Range’s Coastal Fire Centre has confirmed 22 active fires of over 10 hectares in the Coastal region. For on-going fire updates on the Blackcomb fire as well as all others in the province, please visit
www.bcwildfire.ca.
For Public Inquiries please contact:
Main switchboard at 604.932.5535
For Media Inquiries please contact:
RMOW, Media Relations at 604.935.4711
Back Country Advisory - August 1, 14:00
Due to the Extreme Fire Hazard for the region, the Province of BC has issued a voluntary back country restriction until further notice. Hiking and trail access are limited on Whistler Blackcomb. Please obey all posted signs and trail closures. Smoking anywhere on-mountain is strictly prohibited. If you spot a fire or smoke please call
604-938-FIRE(3473)
For Immediate Release - July 31, 16:00
Whistler, B.C. – Fire crews continue to work to fight the Blackcomb Mountain fire, which remains a rank 1-2 fire and has shown no spread today. Crews estimate that the fire is currently 30 per cent contained. The fire is now estimated at 30 hectares in size. The fire, ignited by a lightning strike yesterday at 14:55 on the east side of Crystal Ridge (the north flank of Blackcomb Mountain), has shown little growth thanks to teamwork and cooler temperatures overnight. Crews remain vigilant given the high temperatures and potential for changing weather patterns.
The Ministry has deployed significant resources to contain the fire including a 72-person ground crew with additional resources provided from the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) Fire Rescue Service and Whistler Blackcomb. Two heavy rotary engine tankers have been deployed to support the ground crew. Fire crews have established water to the fire and are currently making progress.
Original visual estimates indicated the distance of the fire to be five to six kilometres from the Village. Once mapping was used that estimate was revised to approximately three kilometres from the Village.
The fire is located in a timber area and is not an interface fire. No critical infrastructure in Whistler is under threat at this time. No evacuation alerts have been issued in the Whistler area. The RMOW has activated its Emergency Operations Centre. Whistler Blackcomb has opened Whistler Mountain today for sightseeing, mountain biking and some restricted hiking, including operation of the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. Blackcomb Mountain is part of the Whistler Blackcomb ski area located in the Resort Municipality of Whistler.
The Ministry of Forests and Range’s Coastal Fire Centre has confirmed 176 new fires stated yesterday throughout the Province. Today’s temperature in Whistler hit 32 degrees Celsius. The long-range forecast calls for five days of sun and temperatures in the high 20s and low 30s.
A website update on the fire will be provided at 20:00 (PST) unless any major changes occur in advance of that time.
For Public Inquiries please contact:
Main switchboard at 604.932.5535
For Media Inquiries please contact:
RMOW, Media Relations at 604.935.4711
For Immediate Release - July 31, 11:17
Whistler, B.C. – Fire crews continue to work to fight the Blackcomb fire, which has been downgraded to a rank 2 fire. The fire, ignited by a lightning strike yesterday at 14:55 on the east side of Crystal Ridge (the north flank of Blackcomb Mountain), has shown little growth thanks to teamwork and cooler temperatures over night. The Ministry has deployed significant resources to contain the Blackcomb Mountain blaze including a 41-person ground crew with additional resources available from the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) Fire Rescue Service and Whistler Blackcomb. Three heavy rotary engine tankers have been deployed to support the ground crew.
The fire is estimated at 30 hectares in size and is classified as a category 2 fire, downgrading yesterday’s classification of category 4. The fire is located in a timber area and is not an interface fire. No critical infrastructure in Whistler is under threat at this time. No evacuation alerts have been issued in the Whistler area. The RMOW has activated its Emergency Operations Centre. An update on the fire will be provided at 16:00 (PST) unless any major changes occur in advance of that time. In the early afternoon of July 30 prior to the fire breaking out, Whistler Blackcomb mountains closed early due to the threat of lightning, with all guests and staff being escorted off the mountains. Whistler Blackcomb has opened Whistler Mountain today for sightseeing, mountain biking and some restricted hiking, including operation of the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola.
Blackcomb Mountain is part of the Whistler Blackcomb ski area located in the Resort Municipality of Whistler. The fire is an estimated five to six kilometres from Whistler Village and is uphill at an elevation of 1,000 metres above the Village.
Today’s anticipated temperature in Whistler is 32 degrees. The long-range forecast calls for five days of sun and temperatures in the high 20s and low 30s.
The Ministry of Forests & Range’s Coastal Fire Centre has confirmed 26 new fires in the last 24 hours in the Pemberton Fire Zone. This zone extends south to Lions Bay and north to D’Arcy, and includes the communities of Whistler, Pemberton and Squamish. Fire crews have established water to the fire and are currently making progress. Once visibility improves the Ministry of Forests will do aerial patrols of the Sea to Sky corridor.
For Public Inquiries please contact:
Main switchboard at 604.932.5535
For Media Inquiries please contact:
RMOW, Media Relations at 604.935.4711
For Immediate Release - July 31, 08:00
Whistler, B.C. – The initial fire response on the Blackcomb Fire appears to have been effective. The fire, which ignited yesterday on the east side of Crystal Ridge (the north flank of Blackcomb Mountain) has shown little growth overnight. The Ministry has deployed significant resources to contain the Blackcomb Mountain blaze including a 40-person ground crew with additional resources coming from the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) Fire Rescue Service and Whistler Blackcomb. Fixed wing and rotary engine tankers may be redeployed as required to support the ground crew, if flight conditions improve.
The fire is estimated at 30 hectares in size and is classified as a rank 1-2 fire. The fire is located in a timber area and is not an interface fire. No critical infrastructure in Whistler is under threat at this time. No evacuation alerts have been issued in the Whistler area. The RMOW has activated its Emergency Operations Centre. An update on the fire will be provided at 16:00 (PST) unless any major changes occur in advance of that time. In the early afternoon of July 30 prior to the fire breaking out, Whistler Blackcomb mountains closed early due to the threat of lightning, with all guests and staff being escorted off the mountains. Whistler Blackcomb plans to open Whistler Mountain this morning for sightseeing, mountain biking and some restricted hiking, including operation of the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola.
The Ministry of Forests & Range’s Coastal Fire Centre has confirmed 26 new fires in the last 24 hours in the Pemberton Fire Zone. This zone extends south to Lions Bay and north to D’Arcy, and includes the communities of Whistler, Pemberton and Squamish.
For Public Inquiries please contact:
Main switchboard at 604.932.5535
For Media Inquiries please contact:
RMOW, Media Relations at 604.935.4711
For Immediate Release - July 30, 21:41
Whistler, B.C. - A fire is currently burning on the east side of Crystal Ridge, which is the north flank of Blackcomb Mountain. There had been lightening activity in the area earlier in the day. At 14:55 lightning strike ignited the fire on Blackcomb Mountain. The Ministry of Forests & Range has deployed significant resources to contain the blaze, which is now estimated at 50-75 hectares in size is classified as a category four fire. Fixed wing and rotary engine tankers have been deployed, but will cease flights overnight.
The fire is located in a timber area and is not an interface fire. No critical infrastructure in Whistler or the Callaghan Valley are under threat at this time. No evacuation alerts have been issued in the Whistler area. The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) has activated its Emergency Operations Centre. An update on the fire will be provided at 8:00 am (PST) unless any major changes occur in advance of that. Due to lightening in the area all guests and staff were evacuated off the mountain by Whistler Blackcomb staff prior to the fire breaking out. Whistler Blackcomb plans to open Whistler Mountain on Friday morning for normal sightseeing, hiking and mountain biking operations, including operation of the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola.
For Public Inquiries please contact:
Main switchboard at 604.932.5535
For Media Inquiries please contact:
RMOW, Media Relations at 604.935.4711
For Immediate Release – July 30, 18:00
Whistler, B.C. - A fire is currently burning on the east side of Crystal Ridge, which is the northwest flank of Blackcomb Mountain. Lightning strikes occurred at both 11:45 and 14:55, with the latter starting the fire. The Ministry of Forests & Range has deployed significant resources to contain the blaze, which is now estimated at 75 hectares in size and can be classified as a category four fire. Currently, no evacuation alerts have been issued in the Whistler area. The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) has activated its Emergency Operations Centre. An update on the fire will be issued at 21:00 unless any major changes occur in advance of that. All guests and staff were evacuated off the mountain by Whistler Blackcomb staff, except for fire crews.
For Public Inquiries please contact:
Main switchboard at 604.932.5535
For Media Inquiries please contact:
RMOW, Media Relations at 604.935.4711
For Immediate Release – July 30, 16:30
At approximately 11:45 it’s believed a lightening strike started a fire on the east side of Crystal Ridge, which is the northwest flank of Blackcomb Mountain. Ministry of Forestry has deployed significant resources to contain the blaze, which is now estimated at three to five hectares in size and can be classified as a category four fire. Currently, no evacuation alerts have been issued in the Whistler area. The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) has activated its Emergency Operations Centre. An update on the fire will be issued at 18:00. We have been advised that all guests and staff have been evacuated from both Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains, except for fire crews.
For Public Inquiries please contact:
Main switchboard at 604.932.5535
For Media Inquiries please contact:
RMOW, Media Relations at 604.935.4711
