Large fire in South Vancouver contributes to hazy conditions
Posted September 10, 2022 12:13 pm.
Last Updated September 10, 2022 12:22 pm.
A South Vancouver fire burning in a landfill has contributed to hazy conditions across the area.
Early in the morning, Vancouver Fire says they were fighting a blaze located at Ontario Street and the Fraser River.
Lots of heavy smoke in the river district this morning as our @VanFireRescue crews battle a 3rd alarm fire.@CityofVancouver @IAFF18
Video from our #MERT Fireboat currently working from the Fraser River side. pic.twitter.com/1stllnlU4n
— Karen Fry (@Karen_Fry) September 10, 2022
According to Vancouver Fire Chief Karen Fry, the fire was a “3rd alarm fire” and said the material on fire “appears mostly to be wood debris.”
They saythey started to battle the blaze at around 3:30 a.m.
Lots of heavy smoke in the river district this morning as our @VanFireRescue crews battle a 3rd alarm fire.@CityofVancouver @IAFF18
Video from our #MERT Fireboat currently working from the Fraser River side. pic.twitter.com/1stllnlU4n
— Karen Fry (@Karen_Fry) September 10, 2022
Metro Vancouver released a statement today warning about the quality of air.
They say the fine particulate matter is expected to persist through the weekend, due to “to smoke from both wildfires burning in B.C. and the U.S. and a fire burning in Vancouver at a wood recycling facility.”
They say smoke from the South Vancouver fire is affecting Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, New Westminster, Surrey, and Coquitlam.
Fry adds that due to all the smoke being released by the fire, people should take precautions.
“Any smoke is dangerous, especially to those with respiratory issues,” said Fry in a tweet.
“Keep your windows closed, avoid being outside or exercising in the smoke.”
As always- any smoke is dangerous especially to those with respiratory issues.
Keep your windows closed, avoid being outside or exercising in the smoke.
This pile appears mostly to be wood debris.@VanFireRescue @IAFF18 @CityofVancouver pic.twitter.com/g4nlpNTEIc
— Karen Fry (@Karen_Fry) September 10, 2022
Assistant Chief Andy Greenwood tells CityNews it was a landfill on fire and they were currently battling smoldering fires.
“These are just so difficult because it just smolders all day,” said Greenwood. “There’s like a mountain of rubble. And there’s smoke coming from all throughout it.”
He adds no injuries have been reported and says of 11:30 a.m. seven crew were on the scene.
A statement from the BC Wildfire Service says most of the smoke in the Vancouver area is coming from nearby wildfires.
