Minnekhada Regional Park wildfire shrinking, but not yet fully contained

Unusually hot and dry weather for October in Metro Vancouver is helping a wildfire at Minnekhada Regional Park in Coquitlam stay alive.

The fire was sparked on Saturday and it’s believed to have been human-caused, but that’s not known for certain. An investigation into the origin of the blaze is underway, according to the Metro Vancouver Regional District (MVRD.)

Minnekhada Regional Park remains closed to the public. It was first shut down on Saturday.

It’s estimated the fire is now almost 12 hectares in size, as of 1:30 p.m. Monday, according to the BC Wildfire Service dashboard.

“We have been successful at slowing the fire spread,” says Brant Arnold-Smith, MVRD, EOC director.

“Though the fire is not fully contained, an ariel assessment was conducted Monday morning by staff, and found minimal overnight growth.”

Arnold-Smith notes that crews are working in steep and dangerous conditions.

“We’ve seen lots of falling debris, trees, steep rock cliffs that are crumbling in and around our crews.”

Metro Vancouver and @BCGovFireInfo crews are working diligently to suppress a wildfire at #Minnekhada Regional Park on extremely steep and challenging terrain. Please avoid the area as the park remains closed. @CityofCoquitlam pic.twitter.com/Ywbx4LDg0x

— MVRD Emergency Services (@metrovanemerg) October 2, 2022

In addition, he says there is no immediate water source for helicopters to access.

“Ariel resources have been needed to bucket water in, and portable water bladders are [also] being filled by ariel resources so crews on the ground can lay handlines and attack the fire on the ground.”

The good news according to Arnold-Smith, is that the fire is not threatening any homes or critical infrastructure at this time.

In terms of this fire’s impact on air quality, he mentions it is a concern.

“Metro Vancouver is monitoring the air quality in the region, and we’ve been posting updates on our social media platforms as well as our website.”

Smoke from local sources including a #wildfire at #Minnekhada Regional Park is impacting parts of the region. Please avoid the area. If impacted: keep windows closed, run a portable HEPA air cleaner, or visit a public building with air filtration. @cityofcoquitlam @BCGovFireInfo

— MVRD Emergency Services (@metrovanemerg) October 2, 2022

“We urge residents to close windows and stay indoors. If the smoke is troublesome to you and your health, use HEPA filters, and if you are unable to [use] HEPA filters, use public facilities such as community buildings and or malls.”

The district is also reminding people to not fly drones close to the wildfire or in the area as it could affect firefighting efforts.

Due to the hot and dry conditions, it’s estimated crews will continue to try and put the fire out for days to come.

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-With files from Kareem Gouda