A Burke Mountain forest fire was contained hours after it was first reported at approximately 8 a.m. Thursday morning.
The fire ignited above the Port Coquitlam and District Hunting and Fishing Club. Located near a BC Hydro powerline corridor, the blaze was reported to be burning in the brush close to the ground.
The fire was initially reported to be about 10 metres by 10 metres but grew to 20 square metres before crews were able to create a perimeter around it.
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Crews from two of Coquitlam’s fire halls responded. They were supported on the ground and in the air by the BC Wildfire Service. Crews remained on scene to put out hot spots.
There is no word yet on the cause of the fire, but the BC Wildfire Service suggests it was human-caused.
The fire is not a threat to any buildings but air quality may be poor, according to a statement released by the City of Coquitlam.
The new fire comes the same day the Minnekhada fire was reported to be under control.
That fire, which started Saturday, resulted in the closing of the regional park. Crews have been working around the clock from the ground and the air to prevent the fire from getting any bigger.
Their efforts appear to be working. Fifty firefighters have been battling the blaze and have succeeded in creating a 15-metre wet line around the perimeter of the 14-hectare fire to keep it from growing. The focus is now on putting out hot spots.
The park is slated to remain closed over the long weekend and some smoke may be visible while crews are still working, stated a press release from Metro Vancouver.
A campaign to raise money for the park’s recovery was launched Wednesday by the Metro Vancouver Regional Parks Foundation and the Minnekhada Park Association.
The foundation’s executive director said it would take time to assess the fire’s damage to the park and to develop a recovery plan.
“But we know we will need a lot of support to ensure the recovery and revitalization of Minnekhada,” said Janet Antonio. “Once the flames are extinguished, the work to restore our beautiful parkland will begin.”
Metro Vancouver Regional Parks is in charge of developing the park’s restoration plan.
The Lower Mainland is currently experiencing higher than normal temperatures and a lack of rain. The fire danger is considered high.
“Tinder-dry” conditions remain in the area’s parks and greenspaces, stated Metro Vancouver, encouraging people to call 9-1-1 to report any fires.
The authority has also extended lawn watering restrictions to Oct. 31. Residents are asked to only water their lawns once a week. The day depends on your address.
