Squamish air quality warning lifted

Residents of Squamish can breathe more easily now that an air quality warning has been lifted. It had been prompted by a large fire that damaged a ship-loading dock last week.

District of Squamish officials said Monday the fire at Squamish Terminals has now been contained and air quality in the area is improving.

The blaze began Thursday night, causing dark, pungent smoke to billow from the loading facility at the north end of Howe Sound.

An air quality warning was in place for several days. It advised people with medical conditions to avoid strenuous exercise and to stay indoors.

Residents are still being asked to limit water use, to avoid beaches close to the terminal and to avoid consuming garden vegetables as environmental testing continues.

Operations at the port have restarted, but officials say the work is at the west dock, far from the damaged.