Air quality poses "no immediate threat" to Pemberton Music Festival site, officials say

Ticket holders for this weekend's Pemberton Music Festival don't have to hold their breath any longer: the air quality advisory was officially lifted on Saturday (July 11), and officials from the B.C. Ministry of Environment and the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority are confirming that the two fires of note in the area pose 'no immediate threat' to the festival site.

Officials say that thanks to changing weather and the dissipation of air particulate matter this past weekend, Pemberton area Air Quality Health Index readings are back to low-risk numbers, despite the proximity of the the Elaho and Boulder Creek fires, which are approximately 70 kilometres from the festival site.

Mild weather is expected both leading up to and during the festival, but Squamish-Lillooet Regional District board chair Jack Crompton says that it is still very important for people to be extremely careful with their cigarette butts.

Festival organizers are reminding attendees that portable ashtrays will be available on site for smokers.

Campfires will not be permitted due to festival rules (and of course the province-wide campfire ban). Small propane stoves, however, will still be permitted.

The festival's safety measures and emergency plans have been reviewed by Pemberton Fire Chief Robert Grossman, and he says that organizers at HUKA Entertainment, the New Orleans-based company promoting the festival, are well-prepared, should anything go wrong on the 300-acre site.

"I have reviewed their emergency and evacuation plans and can say with confidence that HUKA has done an excellent job of preparing their site and addressing safety and fire concerns," said Grossman in a press release.

The Boulder Creek fire, located west of Pemberton Meadows, is currently zero percent contained, and covers an area of over 5,000 hectares. The Elaho fire is also zero percent contained, and covers an area of 12,000 hectares, according to B.C. Wildfire Services.

The Pemberton Music Festival takes place from July 16 to 19.

Stay up to date with the Boulder Creek and Elaho fires and all fire restrictions on the B.C. Wildfire Services website.