Lions Bay Search and Rescue

08/24/2026

🔥 LONE TREE CREEK WILDFIRE — UPDATE
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The Evacuation Alert for Lions Bay has been RESCINDED.
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The Lone Tree Creek Wildfire is now classified as Being Held, and based on current fire conditions and the operational assessment, the Evacuation Alert is no longer required.
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The rescind applies to approximately 30 properties, including:
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- Oceanview Road — house numbers 245 and above
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- Kelvin Grove Road — house numbers 155 and above
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Residents of these properties are no longer under an Evacuation Alert.
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⚠️ The wildfire remains an active incident. Responding agencies will continue suppression, monitoring and assessment operations in coordination with Metro Vancouver and BC Wildfire Service.
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Thank you to everyone who respected the closures and gave emergency crews the space they needed to work.
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August 24, 2026 | 11:10 a.m.

08/24/2026

🔥 LONE TREE CREEK WILDFIRE — UPDATE | AUGUST 24
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Emergency crews continue to work today on the Lone Tree Creek Wildfire (V31874), approximately 800 metres upslope of the Kelvin Grove area.
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The fire is believed to have been caused by a lightning strike during Saturday’s storm. BC Wildfire Service, Metro Vancouver and Lions Bay Fire Rescue are operating under a coordinated unified command, with Lions Bay Search and Rescue and other agencies supporting the response.
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Current situation:
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- Minimal fire growth was observed overnight.
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- An Evacuation Alert remains in effect for more than 35 homes in the identified Oceanview Road and Kelvin Grove Way interface areas. There is currently no Evacuation Order.
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- Helicopters are actively operating in the area today, including water-bucketing operations.
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- Wildfire ground crews are being long-lined by helicopter into the fire area to continue suppression work.
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- Ground crews remain actively engaged on the fire.
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⚠️ PLEASE STAY OUT OF THE AREA
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We cannot emphasize this enough: do not hike into the affected area to look at the fire or observe operations.
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Helicopters are moving personnel and equipment, crews are working on the ground, and emergency vehicles require clear access. Entering the area creates an unnecessary risk to you and can interfere with emergency operations.
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Please stay off trails within the affected zone and give emergency crews the space they need to work.
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Residents within the Evacuation Alert area should remain prepared and continue to follow official Village of Lions Bay communications and Alertable for any changes.
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Thank you to everyone for giving responding crews the room they need to safely do their jobs.

08/24/2026

🚨 ACTIVE EMERGENCY — MOUNT UNNECESSARY / ERIN MOORE TRAILS
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Lions Bay Search and Rescue has been tasked to respond to a wildfire near the Mount Unnecessary and Erin Moore trails.
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We are working with Metro Vancouver and Fire under Unified Command to contain the area and evacuate hikers. We are also concurrently dealing with a rescue from Magnesia Meadows.
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Please stay away from the area. This is an active emergency, and emergency services require clear access via Oceanview Road.
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If you are currently on the trails, do not return via mount Unnessary or the Erin Moore Trails. Please use a different evacuation point and follow directions from emergency personnel.
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We will provide further updates as information becomes available.

08/23/2026

Two Hikers Hypothermic After Severe Overnight Storm
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UPDATE — 4:17 p.m.: Lions Bay Search and Rescue teams have reached two hikers who became hypothermic after being caught overnight in Saturday’s severe thunderstorm near Magnesia Meadows on the Howe Sound Crest Trail.
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From what we understand, severe winds and rain damaged their tent, ripping away the rain fly and leaving their clothing and equipment completely soaked. The hikers made their way to the Magnesia Meadows emergency shelter and were able to access the emergency cache, using the supplies inside to get warm and dry. After several hours of rewarming, their condition improved enough that they are now able to travel on foot.
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Low cloud ceilings and poor weather prevented helicopter access today, requiring SAR teams to hike several hours from near sea level carrying medical and emergency equipment. The hikers will now be escorted out on foot via the Harvey Basin Trail, a hike expected to take at least another two hours.
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There are several important lessons from this rescue.
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If you call 911, answer your phone when SAR calls. Teams attempted to communicate directly with the hikers during the response, but they were not answering their phones and were instead communicating with family members. Once you’ve requested rescue, keep your phone on, conserve the battery and answer calls from unfamiliar numbers. Rescuers may need critical information to assess your condition and determine how best to reach you.
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Give yourself a weather window. For a committing trip like the Howe Sound Crest Trail, look beyond the forecast for your planned travel day. We recommend a clear weather window of at least 48 hours. Saturday’s severe storm was well forecast, and mountain weather can arrive earlier than expected. During a major alpine storm, rescue may be extremely difficult or impossible.
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And finally, know where your emergency resources are. Finding the Magnesia Meadows shelter made a significant difference in this incident. Equipment can fail and conditions can change quickly. Knowing where to find shelter—and carrying enough equipment to survive an unexpected night out—can prevent a difficult situation from becoming much worse.

08/23/2026

Two Hikers Hypothermic After Severe Overnight Storm
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Lions Bay Search and Rescue is responding to two hikers suffering from hypothermia after they were caught overnight in Saturday’s severe thunderstorm near Magnesia Meadows on the Howe Sound Crest Trail.
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From what we understand, severe winds and rain damaged their tent, ripping away the rain fly and leaving their clothing and equipment completely soaked. They endured the remainder of the night in cold, wet conditions.
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What they did right was find shelter. The hikers made their way to the Magnesia Meadows emergency shelter, getting themselves out of the elements. Another hiking party in the area had better cell reception, and the hikers used their phone to call 911 for help.
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The storm that swept across the South Coast was unusually intense, with more than 7,000 lightning strikes recorded across B.C. on Saturday, including hundreds of cloud-to-ground strikes around Vancouver and Richmond.
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Today, low cloud ceilings and continued rain are complicating the rescue and may prevent helicopter access, meaning responding SAR teams may have to hike to Magnesia Meadows from near sea level.
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This incident reinforces something we emphasize when planning multi-day mountain trips: don't just look at the forecast for the day you expect to travel—look at the days that follow. Mountain storms can arrive earlier than forecast, and delays can keep you out longer than planned. Whenever possible, we recommend looking for a clear weather window of at least 48 hours around your intended travel period.
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Equipment can fail. Forecasts can change. What matters is building enough margin into your plan to deal with both—and knowing where your emergency shelters and exit options are before you need them.

08/18/2026

⚠️ BEAR NOTICE — LIONS BAY AREA
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This week, Lions Bay Search and Rescue found itself in a real-life episode of “the blue-and-black dress or the white-and-gold dress?” — except this time, it was a bear. 🐻
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Our original post identified the bear as a grizzly. The comments got heated, experts weighed in, and we continued seeking additional opinions.
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After several further reviews — including input from Conservation Officers and wildlife biologists — we now believe this is a cinnamon-coloured black bear, not a grizzly. We’re happy to correct the record when better information becomes available.
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The important part of our original message, however, remains the same: give bears space and help keep them wild.
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Whether black, brown, or cinnamon, the goal is the same: safe coexistence for people and bears.

08/17/2026

⚠️ GRIZZLY BEAR NOTICE — LIONS BAY AREA
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We have an unusual visitor in the Lions Bay backcountry: it looks like a grizzly bear.
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Multiple sightings have been confirmed through photographs and video, with the bear spotted near Deeks Lake a few days ago. He is believed to be a young male, approximately 6–8 years old.
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But Deeks Lake is not necessarily where he is now. Bears can travel significant distances, and this bear could be anywhere in the Lions Bay backcountry. Hikers and campers throughout the area should be bear aware — including anyone camping at Magnesia Meadows on the Howe Sound Crest Trail.
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Grizzlies in the Lions Bay area are rare, and we don't know why this bear has travelled here. Wildfires can contribute to wildlife displacement and movement, but we cannot say that is what brought this particular bear into the area.
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The good news is that over the weekend, he appeared calm and was not bothering or approaching hikers. That's exactly the behaviour we want to preserve.
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His presence doesn't need to be a source of fear. It does require respect, space and responsible behaviour from us.
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🐻 Give him space. Never approach a bear, even for a photograph or video. If you encounter him, remain calm, speak calmly, slowly create distance and do not run.
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🐻 Don't yell at, chase or haze him. If he's simply moving through the landscape and isn't creating an immediate threat, give him the opportunity to continue on his way.
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🐻 Carry bear spray — and know how to use it. Keep it immediately accessible, not buried in your pack.
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🐻 Manage your attractants. If you're camping, use appropriate bear-resistant food storage and secure all food, garbage and scented items away from your sleeping area. Never feed a bear, intentionally or accidentally.
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🐻 Keep your dog leashed. An off-leash dog can approach or provoke a bear and then bring the encounter back to its owner. Consider whether bringing your dog into an area with known bear activity is necessary.
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🐻 Please don't broadcast the bear's precise location. Give him some privacy. We don't want people seeking him out for photographs or a closer look.
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There is also believed to be a cinnamon-coloured black bear in the area. Remember that colour alone does not identify the species — black bears can be black, brown, cinnamon or blonde.
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Seeing a grizzly in this landscape is a rare privilege. The best outcome is that this young bear is allowed to move through the area naturally, without becoming habituated to people or human food.
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Enjoy his presence from a distance. Give him space. Protect your food. Keep your dog controlled. And let a wild bear remain a wild bear.
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Coexistence starts with respect — for the animal, its space and the landscape we share.
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Heading outdoors? Start with

08/15/2026

Given the scope and scale of wildfires currently burning in B.C., and to further protect public safety, recreational off-road vehicle use will be prohibited on Crown land in the Kamloops and Southeast Fire Centres, as well as parts of the Cariboo and Coastal Fire Centres. This prohibition is effective immediately, as of 12 p.m. (noon) on August 10, 2026.

Full information for current prohibitions and restrictions is provided here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/fire-bans-and-restrictions

08/14/2026

Garmin Inreach Or iPhone Satellite SOS - What's The Best Way To Call For Help?
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A great question came up on one of our recent posts:
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“If I'm outside cell service and have both a Garmin inReach and a satellite-capable iPhone, what's the better emergency call method? Should I hit the Garmin SOS button, or satellite-text a friend and have them call 911?”
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Our recommendation:
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Trigger the SOS first. Then, if you're able, contact your emergency person and ask them to call 911 — making sure they say your satellite SOS has already been activated for the SAME incident.
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Here's why.
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WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU PRESS SOS?
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Your Garmin SOS does not go directly to your local Search and Rescue team.
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It goes to Garmin Response, an emergency coordination centre in Texas, which communicates with you, gathers information and contacts emergency services.
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In B.C., SAR cannot self-deploy. We must be activated by a requesting agency — police, fire or ambulance.
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So there are several steps between pressing SOS and rescuers actually being deployed.
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We recently saw this firsthand.
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A REAL LIONS BAY SAR CALL
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On August 7, a hiker suffered a significant ankle laceration on Little Brother Peak and couldn't walk. They had an inReach and activated SOS.
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17:20 — Injury occurs
17:23 — inReach SOS activated
17:25 — Garmin Response acknowledges SOS
17:28 — Garmin says emergency services have been contacted
17:49 — LBSAR receives its first notification
18:13 — LBSAR formally activated
18:48 — Rescue team arrives at YVR
19:15 — Helicopter picks up rescuers at Lions Bay
19:30 — Rescuers hover-exited onto Little Brother
20:05 — Subject aboard helicopter
20:15 — Subject back at Lions Bay School
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Garmin responded quickly — within two minutes — but 26 minutes passed between activating SOS and the first notification reaching our team.
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From injury to extraction was almost three hours.
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And this was about as good as it gets: known location, good weather, available helicopter, available rescuers and terrain where we could hover-exit.
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WHY CALL YOUR EMERGENCY CONTACT TOO?
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Not to create a second incident.
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Tell them:
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“My satellite SOS has already been activated. Call 911 and tell them you're my emergency contact for the SAME incident.”
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They can provide your trip plan, route, vehicle location, party information, equipment, experience, medical information and anything you've told them about what's happening.
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That helps build a fuller picture of the incident and can support the requesting agency and SAR managers as we plan the rescue.
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Apple's own emergency-services documentation recognizes this role, noting that emergency contacts may have additional information about a person's point of departure, route and equipment.
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And the B.C. numbers are interesting: in 2026 YTD, 38.8% of recorded SAR alerts came by cellphone, while 36.4% came from concerned family members or citizens. About one in five involved satellite technology, with iPhone Satellite SOS alone accounting for 11.7%.
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WHAT ABOUT IPHONE SATELLITE SOS?
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It's an excellent emergency tool, but satellite communication has limitations.
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Apple says messages can take tens of seconds to a few minutes to transmit. Terrain and trees can interfere with the connection, and in extreme terrain or dense foliage, transmission may not be possible.
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And your GPS pin isn't necessarily your exact location.
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Apple provides emergency services with a location and its associated search area. Its own training examples show rescuers may need to search tens of metres horizontally — and vertically above and below the reported elevation — to have a 95% chance of finding the person.
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In mountain terrain, 30 metres can matter.
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THE BIGGER LESSON
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Pressing SOS doesn't make a helicopter appear.
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In our response area, you should be prepared to be self-sufficient for a minimum of three hours, even under excellent conditions.
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It can easily be six hours or longer if weather prevents flying, aircraft aren't available, your location is uncertain, technical rescue is required or rescuers have to reach you on foot.
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Carry enough equipment to keep yourself or an injured partner warm, dry, sheltered, hydrated and medically stable while we're getting to you.
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So, back to the original question:
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If you have an inReach, trigger SOS. Then contact your emergency person and have them call 911, clearly identifying it as the SAME incident.
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If iPhone Emergency SOS via Satellite is the emergency system you have available, use it.
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And leave a good trip plan with someone who knows what to do with it.
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The SOS tells us you need help. Your emergency contact helps build the fuller picture. And your equipment keeps you safe while we're coming.
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08/09/2026

Please join us in celebrating Michael Coyle

On behalf of Michael's family:
Thank you for requesting the link to livestream for the celebration of life for Michael Coyle on Aug 9, 2026 at 4:00 pm. Please use link below, and follow instructions on the page:
https://virtualmemorialgatherings.com/michael-coyle/

We are touched that many of Mike’s family, friends, colleagues, and everyone whose life he touched can gather in person or via livestream from around the country and from many parts of the world.

Many people have reached out asking how they can support Sylvia and Eamon during this incredibly difficult time.
Michael gave so much of himself — to his work, his community, and especially to his fellow search and rescue colleagues. In response to the many generous offers to help, friends have created this fund to assist with the unexpected costs of Michael's memorial service.

For those who were considering sending flowers, we know Sylvia would much prefer that kindness be directed here instead.
Any support, in any amount, is deeply appreciated. Thank you for helping us honour Michael's extraordinary life. https://gofund.me/8ccda53ee

Please note that the date at the top of the go fund me page has 08-08-2026 as the Celebration of Life date, this is incorrect, Memorial is 2026-08-09