The Pacific Northwest has been experiencing record-breaking heat over the past week, and with extreme heat comes the increased possibility of thunderstorms. Freeskier has just learned of a wildfire in progress on the Crystal Ridge side of Blackcomb Mountain which is thought to be the result of a lightning strike.

The details are a little light right now, thankfully Whistler-Blackcomb has released the following information…

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.

We’ll keep you apprised of the situation as more details become available.