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Updated: Squamish Valley wildfire remains at 38 hectares on Tuesday

BCWS asks residents and visitors to avoid the wildfire area to allow first responders to do their work.

For the latest go to: Latest Update on Shovelnose Creek Fire: Progress made as crews tackle 38-hectare blaze

**Updated: May 16 at 10:30 a.m.

The Shovelnose Creek wildfire northwest of Squamish remains at 38 hectares as of Tuesday morning, according to Julia Caranci, fire information officer with the Coastal Fire Centre. 

Today, 20 firefighters and three helicopters are assigned to fight the blaze, which remains out of control.

There continue to be no structures or critical infrastructure at risk at this time. 

Caranci asked the public to avoid any Forest Service Road with an active wildfire.

The next update will be this evening.

— Original Story —

The Squamish Valley fire has grown to 38 hectares, up from 17 hectares on Sunday, and was first reported to the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) on the afternoon of May 13. 

The Shovelnose Creek blaze remains out of control, which means it continues spreading and is not responding to suppression efforts.

But the BCWS say that there is no risk to homes or critical infrastructure at this time. 

The fire  is 20 kilometres along the Squamish River Forest Service Road, northwest of Squamish. 

Currently, 20 firefighters are battling the blaze with the help of three helicopters.

"It is in steep and rugged terrain, but full suppression and a full response is the goal of our crews on the scene right now," said Kimberly Kelly, of the Coastal Fire Centre. 

This wildfire is suspected to be human-caused and is under investigation.

There are currently 57 active wildfires in B.C., according to the wildfire service. Most spring wildfires are started by people. 

"Human-caused wildfires are completely preventable, and they divert critical resources away from natural or lightning-caused fires," Kelly said, adding that the message is for folks to practice safe and responsible fire use.

For the safety of all involved, the BCWS asks residents and visitors to avoid the wildfire area to allow first responders to do their work.