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
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
DEVELOPING Hamas accepts Gaza ceasefire proposal from Egypt and Qatar
Hamas said it has accepted a ceasefire deal proposed by Egypt and Qatar, which seeks to halt the seven-month war with Israel in Gaza, prompting Israel to say it would send a delegation to negotiate – though it warned the proposal remained far from the 'necessary requirements.'
An American soldier was arrested in Russia and accused of stealing, U.S. officials say
An American soldier has been arrested in Russia and accused of stealing, according to U.S. officials. The soldier was stationed in South Korea and was in the process of returning home to the United States, but travelled to Russia.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Competition Bureau launches inquiry into Lululemon over 'greenwashing' allegations
Canada's Competition Bureau has launched an inquiry into Vancouver-based Lululemon following a complaint from members of an environmental group.
NDP calls out Conservatives for effort to quash pharmacare legislation
The federal New Democrats are calling out Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and his party for trying to block the bill that could pave the way for millions of Canadians to access birth control and diabetes coverage.
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Democratic Institutions Minister Dominic LeBlanc tabled legislation in the House of Commons on Monday proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada. Bill C-70 proposes to enact a new 'Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act.'