West Vancouver wildfire near Cypress Mountain

Crews are still battling a wildfire that started in West Vancouver Friday morning.

It’s burning near Eagle Lake, just north of Cypress Falls Park.

Donna Powers, who speaks for the West Vancouver District, says the fire is in a remote area of the forest, with accessibility a challenge.

“It’s in a restricted watershed area. There’s no existing roads but West Van fire crews and BC Wildfire Service ground crews are cutting a path through the forest so they can begin fighting the fire at the ground level,” she explained, adding helicopters have been dumping water on the fire to help get a handle on things.

Callers to CityNews Friday morning reported being able to see the fire from across the water in parts of Vancouver, with smoke drifting to the west.

Meanwhile, West Vancouver Fire has asked that the public stay out of the area to allow crews to work.

Some trails have also been closed to keep people away.

“The public needs to know that trails in the area have been closed, notably the Trans Canada Trail, access to the trail system from Northwood Drive. And although recreational hikers will see helicopter activity along Whyte Lake Trail, that trail remains open, only access to the shoreline is closed at this time,” Powers said just after 2 p.m. Friday.

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The fire remains an estimated two hectares.

BC Wildfire Service Fire Information Officer Julia Caranci with the Coastal Fire Centre said earlier in the day that the size may be updated as more information about the fire is gathered.

“This is an emerging situation from this morning. We may have some more details to provide later on in the day, but right now we’re mustering resources and working on getting our response going,” she said.

Carancini says the area is experiencing drought-like conditions after not receiving significant rainfall in many weeks now.

“We do still have an active wildfire season going. And obviously, that does cause us concern,” she explained.

“We just want to continue to stress that we are here and resourced to respond to any and all incidents quickly, that come our way at the coastal Fire Center. And to remind folks to be responsible, if they’re heading out into the outdoors or going to be having campfires or whatever sort of outdoor activities are going to be doing we ask people to continue to be cautious and responsible.”

Powers echoes concerns over the continued dry conditions.

“It’s across the Lower Mainland. Certainly, we all know that we are in a drought situation. Anyone who spends any time outside has noticed the unusual situation,” Powers said.

“We’re certainly encouraging everyone to remain vigilant, and at the same time, I know Metro Vancouver is really encouraging residents to do everything that they can do to conserve water.”

-With files from Sonia Aslam