Fire crews delay plans to use thermal camera at Minnekhada Park until rain falls
Fire crews in Coquitlam are waiting for the rain before proceeding with plans to use a thermal heat scan at Minnekhada Regional Park, which has been closed since a wildfire broke out on Oct. 1.
While the flames are under control, the Metro Vancouver Regional District says the decision to delay thermal scanning, which was set to happen on Monday, is based on changing weather patterns and operational priorities.
“Our ground patrols have been extremely effective at locating and extinguishing hot spots,” explains Brant Arnold-Smith, the region’s emergency operations centre director.
The purpose of using thermal cameras while battling fires, according to Arnold-Smith, is to help crews identify and map hotspots that would be otherwise unreachable or untraceable. Drones are outfitted with the camera, which then examines surface temperatures from the air.
“In some instances, there may be no sign of smoke, fire, or other indicators,” Arnold-Smith says. “A thermal scan can…allows crews to quickly respond to hot spots that have the potential to burn hidden underground and reignite.”
More than two weeks after the fire was deemed “under control,” triggering a multi-jurisdiction response, only MVRD emergency personnel remain on site. Fully-extinguishing the flames has been a difficult feat due to steep, challenging terrain at the park, as well as unseasonably warm weather conditions.
On Twitter this week, MVRD posted a thread detailing the different angles crews have been taking to tackle the fire. With the help of helicopters, emergency personnel have been able to transfer thousands of gallons of water per hour from the Pitt River on to the fire, according to the tweet.
Crews have also been utilizing the park’s natural firefighting tools, like trails that block the path of quick-spreading flames. In addition, the efforts have included the use of handheld tools for chopping and digging, and hoses designed to be carried long distances over steep and rough terrain.
Arnold-Smith says his team knows there’s a lot of public interest in the park’s status, which is why updates are being regularly posted online.
“We are incredibly proud of the work that our crews have done,” says Arnold-Smith. “We hope to keep the public informed of the work crews are doing while increasing awareness of the efforts and resources required to battle a wildfire.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Robert Pickton stabbed with toothbrush and broken broom handle: victim's family
The family of one of Robert Pickton's victims says the convicted serial killer suffered an incredibly violent death at the hands of another inmate.
Father who killed one-year-old son with axe may be allowed to travel in southwestern Ontario
A Mennonite father who killed his one-year-old son with an axe may be allowed to travel to parts of southern Ontario in the coming months
'It feels like freedom': Why some Albertans like going nude in nature
Few people can say they accidentally purchased a nude beach — but Shelley can. When she saw a piece of land she could fondly remember camping on was up for sale, she inquired about it and ended up purchasing it. She soon found that there were already inhabitants on it.
Panama prepares to evacuate first island in face of rising sea level
On a tiny island off Panama's Caribbean coast, about 300 families are packing their belongings in preparation for a dramatic change. Generations of Gunas who have grown up on Gardi Sugdub in a life dedicated to the sea and tourism will trade that next week for the mainland’s solid ground.
'Check your tickets as soon as possible': Ottawa resident $70 million richer than they think
Attention Ottawa residents, a $70 million Lotto Max winning ticket was sold somewhere in the nation's capital.
Live Nation reveals data breach at its Ticketmaster subsidiary
Live Nation is investigating a data breach at its Ticketmaster subsidiary, which dominates ticketing for live events in the United States.
Vancouver synagogue holding service after arson attack
A Vancouver synagogue is set to hold its first service after an arson attack charred the building's front door and left the Jewish community shaken.
WestJet ordered to pay B.C. traveller $1,300 for a missed flight connection
A B.C. traveller will receive more than $1,300 in compensation from WestJet for a missed flight connection following a decision from the province's small claims tribunal.
Jennifer Lopez cancels summer tour: 'I am completely heartsick and devastated'
Jennifer Lopez has cancelled her 2024 North American tour, representatives for Live Nation confirmed to The Associated Press.