Major crime unit to investigate New Westminster Pier Park fire

An iconic piece of New Westminster has been lost. As the community grapples with its revived historic waterfront being destroyed by fire, some are raising concerns, saying this could have been prevented. Ashley Burr has more.

By mikehall

Posted September 14, 2020 1:21 pm.

Last Updated September 15, 2020 5:35 am.

NEW WESTMINSTER (NEWS 1130) — The New Westminster Police Department’s Major Crime Unit has been called to assist in the investigation of a fire that destroyed part of a pier late Sunday.

The fire started at Pier Park near the SkyTrain bridge around 8 p.m. Sunday and burned westward, through the giant “W” statue, volleyball courts, and beachfront lounging area.

The timber wharf section at the eastern end of the park sustained significant damage, according to police.

Firefighters contained the blaze, but it continues to burn.

“At this time, the cause of the fire is unknown and the New Westminster Police Department’s Major Crime Unit has been called in to assist fire investigators in determining a cause,” says a release.

The older pier consisted of timber treated with creosote, sending “highly toxic” smoke into the air, according to the city’s fire department.

As a result of that and an ongoing air quality advisory from Metro Vancouver due to wildfire smoke, classes at New Westminster secondary, Queensborough Middle, Queen Elizabeth, Fraser River and Qayqayt elementary schools in New Westminster were suspended Monday, along with an alternate program.

“Given the additional impact that the New Westminster Pier Park fire is having on already challenged air quality, out of an abundance of caution, we are suspending regular classes at schools within a proximity of the fire,” says a release from the school district.

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“Staff will be on-site, but we’re advising families to stay home and inside and asking parents not to drop or send their kids to the following schools today.”

New Westminster Mayor Jonathan Cote said Monday the fire is likely to continue to burn for a few days as the pier decking has to be lifted so firefighters can put out the remaining burning materials.

Police are asking anyone with information about the fire to please contact Major Crime Unit investigators at 604-525-5411.

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