Forest fires are still raging 60 to 70 kilometres west of the Pemberton valley, where Pemberton Music Festival organizers are busy setting up the stage for their big event, taking place July 16-19.
Despite a wave of rumours predicting the festival may be cancelled due to smoke and fire hazards, organizers HUKA Entertainment reiterated Wednesday afternoon that there was no plan to do so.
鈥淲hile air quality is a concern, the current wildfire situation does not warrant cancellation of the festival,鈥� a press release from the festival stated. The release also said that 鈥渆lected officials and senior staff from the Lil鈥檞at Nation, Village of Pemberton and Squamish-Lillooet Regional District have met and agreed that the 2015 Pemberton Music Festival will proceed as planned.鈥�
The festival, in its second year under the HUKA banner, is slated to feature more than 100 artists including headliners The Black Keys, Tiesto, Weezer, Jane鈥檚 Addiction, Kendrick Lamar and electronic artists Skrillex and Diplo鈥檚 Jack U project.
The festival鈥檚 director of community relations, Maureen Douglas, said the event is expected to draw 27,000 people a day. About 20,000 people a day are expected to camp at the site.
The smoke is being caused by two wildfires west of Pemberton. The Boulder Creek wildfire, and the Elaho wildfire.
鈥淐onditions are dynamic and can change quickly; the three local governments are monitoring the situation closely,鈥� Wednesday鈥檚 press release said. 鈥淪taff and officials from the three jurisdictions are meeting daily and receiving regular information updates and advice from the BC Wildfire Management Branch, technical experts, regional and First Nations health authorities and senior Ministry staff.鈥�
The festival represents a huge economic boon for Pemberton. Last year the festival spent an estimated $2.1 million with local businesses. Another $375,000 was spent on lodging.
鈥淭he Pemberton Music Festival is an important event both for our community, and for the entire region,鈥� Chief Lucinda Phillips of the Lil鈥檞at Nation said in the release.
鈥淭he safety of the public is our number 1 concern,鈥� SLRD board chairman Jack Crompton added. 鈥淎ll three jurisdictions are working together and our Emergency Management Team is assessing the situation daily.鈥�
With a file from John Mackie
