WHISTLER (NEWS1130) - Parts of Blackcomb Mountain have been evacuated after a lightning strike started a forest fire in the area late Thursday afternoon. No homes or businesses are at risk in Whistler Village but the bitter smell of smoke hangs in the air over the community. Whistler is open with some restrictions for hikers and mountain bikers. The Peak To Peak gondola is also open, but with no dropoff at Blackcomb.
The fire is now pegged at 30 hectares after jumping in size from about four hectares to between 50 and 75 within hours on Thursday. Crews are most concerned about the Crystal Lodge hut and chairlift but Thursday night the fire chief didn't believe them to be at risk. Firefighters are fighting the blaze from the ground and in the air, when the weather cooperates.People who saw it all unfold describe being captivated by the fast work of air tankers and helicopters dropping water. Locals, business owners, and repeat tourists all seem pretty hardy. One woman tells News1130 "we were scared we were going to get evacuated from our hotel, but we're just glad it got under control. Forest fires happen all the time, all over the place, we just love it here."
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