Minnekhada Park wildfire still out of control, crews anticipate 'multi-day operation'
The sound of choppers was relentless over Coquitlam, B.C. on Monday, as five helicopters took turns pouring thousands of litres of water every hour on the wildfire burning in Minnekhada Regional Park.
On Saturday morning, a brush fire was reported prompting a closure of the park to all visitors.
As on Monday, it had grown to 12 hectares and was still classified as out of control but firefighters reported it did not grow significantly overnight Sunday, saying and they have slowed its growth.
The fire is described as spotty, stubborn, and burning in steep terrain.
"The wildfire has been burning in very steep, heavy terrain within the regional park. We've encountered falling rocks, falling trees, hollowed out trees that are falling in and around our crews," said Brant Arnold-Smith, emergency operations centre director for Metro Vancouver Regional District.
"Safety of our crews as well as the public is a priority, so we've had to take that strategic consideration with all of our tactical operations on site.
Pilots have been using water from the Pitt River and a hydrant at a nearby lodge.
Smoke is still an issue in parts of Metro Vancouver, but the air quality has improved.
“Just know that there are tinder dry conditions,” said Arnold-Smith. “We’re at a high to extreme fire rating point now, and it does not take a lot to ignite a small brush fire, and have that brush fire grow,” he cautioned.
With no rain in the forecast for at least a week, the operation is expected to take several days.
"With continued dry weather in the area and also in the forecast, the firefighting effort is expected to be a multi-day operation and we will be on site for a number of days to come," Arnold said.
The BC Wildfire Service says it's believed the blaze is human-caused, but the investigation is ongoing.
In an update over the weekend, officials reminded residents that the use of drones over an active wildfire is "strictly prohibited" after one was spotted in the area Saturday night.
"The use of drones impedes operations and puts firefighters and pilots at risk," BC Wildfire Service said in a social media post.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Chants of 'shame on you' greet guests arriving for the annual White House correspondents' dinner
An election-year roast of U.S. President Joe Biden before journalists, celebrities and politicians at the annual White House correspondents' dinner Saturday.
What is a 'halal mortgage'? Does it make housing more accessible?
The 2024 federal budget announced on April 16 included plans to introduce “halal mortgages” as a way to increase access to home ownership.
Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report
A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.
Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident
One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.
Opinion I just don't get Taylor Swift
It's one thing to say you like Taylor Swift and her music, but don't blame CNN's AJ Willingham's when she says she just 'doesn't get' the global phenomenon.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Harvey Weinstein hospitalized after return to New York from upstate prison
Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer said Saturday that the onetime movie mogul has been hospitalized for a battery of tests after his return to New York City following an appeals court ruling nullifying his 2020 rape conviction.
'We are declaring our readiness': No decision made yet as Poland declares it's ready to host nuclear weapons
Polish President Andrzej Duda says while no decision has been made around whether Poland will host nuclear weapons as part of an expansion of the NATO alliance’s nuclear sharing program, his country is willing and prepared to do so.
Central Alberta queer groups react to request from Red Deer-South to reinstate Jennifer Johnson to UCP caucus
A number of LGBQT+2s groups in Central Alberta are pushing back against a request from the Red Deer South UCP constituency to reinstate MLA Jennifer Johnson into the UCP caucus.