No rain relief in sight for crews battling Metro Vancouver park fire after 'warmest September in history'
After one of the driest months on record in Metro Vancouver, Environment Canada says it will be a week to 10 days before the region sees any rain.
This is not good news for crews battling forest fires, including a growing wildfire in Coquitlam’s Minnekhada Regional Park.
Not only has it been dryer than normal, it’s also been a lot warmer.
“In Vancouver, Victoria, Abbotsford, and including some other places in B.C., it’s going to be the warmest September in history,” said Yimei Li of Environment Canada.
Nine B.C. communities set high temperature records on Saturday, following a month in which several other days broke records.
Smoke from the park wildfire could be seen all over Metro Vancouver Sunday, especially on the North Shore.
“You could really feel it, and smell it, and I could certainly feel it in my chest,” a cyclist in the area told CTV News.
Minnekhada park has been closed to ensure safety and help crews put the fire out. The public has also been asked to avoid the area. However, the regional district said in an update on social media that "there is no concern for evacuation and no structures are threatened."
Li expects Environment Canada to reveal more record-breaking statistics Monday that will show just how remarkably warm and dry it’s been. Many parts of the province are currently in a Level 4 drought, the second-highest rating on the province's five-point scale.
“Usually by mid- or the end of September we should switch to a rainy season, however we haven’t seen that so far this year,” Li said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.