Wildfire breaks out near Pemberton Regional Airport as dry conditions fuel flames in Líl̓wat Nation

A wildfire broke out Tuesday afternoon on the traditional territory of Líl̓wat Nation, just east of Pemberton Regional Airport, quickly spreading through dry grass and hay fields.

According to the BC Wildfire Service, the fire had grown to roughly 100 hectares and was classified as out of control as of 8 p.m. PT. The blaze is located near Mount Currie, close to Rancheree Street.

Explosions and fast-moving flames

Local resident Kirk Pascal said the fire appeared to ignite suddenly, recalling hearing two loud bangs around 5 p.m.

“I heard two bangs that sounded like gunshots,” he said. “Then I saw the flames just taking off.”

Pascal described rapidly changing conditions, with strong winds pushing flames across dry vegetation.

“It’s in a grass area, hay fields — and it’s really dry,” he said.

He joined others in the area to check on neighbours and help contain the spread before emergency crews arrived.

Power outages and possible causes

A spokesperson for BC Hydro said there were no reports of transformer explosions, though crews did observe trees coming into contact with power lines.

Downed wires in the area caused outages affecting nearly 2,000 customers earlier in the day, with electricity restored by late afternoon.

The wildfire is currently believed to be human-caused — a category used for any fire not started by lightning — though the exact source remains under investigation.

Emergency response limits damage

Firefighters from BC Wildfire Service and Pemberton Fire Rescue responded quickly to the scene.

Despite the fire’s rapid growth, no homes were destroyed.

Pascal said only minor property damage was reported, including:

• A damaged fence

• Trailers affected at the edge of the burn area

• A small woodshed

“I praise the firefighters and responders,” he said. “They did a great job with a quick response.”

Dry conditions raise early-season concerns

The incident highlights how quickly wildfires can ignite and spread in dry, windy conditions — even outside peak wildfire season.

Grass and hay fields are especially vulnerable, as they can act as fast-burning fuel, allowing flames to travel rapidly across open terrain.

With conditions already described as “really dry” by residents, the fire serves as an early warning for communities across the region to remain cautious as temperatures rise.