A wildfire burning near the Rock Ridge area in Maple Ridge prompted an overnight response from firefighters Friday as crews worked to contain the blaze in steep terrain near the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest.
Maple Ridge Fire & Rescue said the fire began at around 6:30 p.m. Friday.
Crews continued suppression efforts overnight with support from the BC Wildfire Service and staff and equipment operators from the UBC Malcolm Knapp Research Forest.
About 25 personnel were on scene through the night and firefighters were expected to continue active operations throughout Saturday, the City of Maple Ridge said.
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Operations were taking place in “extremely steep and challenging terrain,” though officials said weather conditions overnight remained stable and helped prevent further fire escalation.
The wildfire is currently listed as “out of control” by the BC Wildfire Service.
Officials say the fire, identified as V10408, was discovered on May 22 and had grown to an estimated 1.5 hectares as of Saturday morning in the Coastal Fire Centre region.
Authorities said there was no immediate risk to homes or the public, though residents sensitive to smoke were encouraged to keep windows and doors closed and limit outdoor exposure.
Emergency officials are also asking the public to avoid the area and not operate drones nearby, warning they could interfere with aircraft supporting firefighting efforts.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation and emergency officials are asking people to stay clear of the area while of operations continue.
According to the B.C. government, the province experiences an average of roughly 1,600 wildfires every year.
While many are extinguished before threatening communities, officials say wildfire conditions can change quickly and urge residents to stay prepared with evacuation plans, emergency kits and by monitoring alerts throughout the season.
We should have the homeless clearing the deadfall and pine beetle trees. Qualified fellers cut the trees, homeless skid, them out with rescue horses + stack and load trucks. The wood is sold for firewood or used to generate electricity. House the homeless in atco trailers where they can get addictions treatment
Cause remains “under investigation”.
Huge majority of BC fires are human caused. Campfire bans are in place, but as with everything, no enforcement, and people are trusted to follow rules.
How about an article on the Stop Work Orders in Surrey. Fifteen I within a few blocks. No fines, no consequences, except for all of the landlords getting rich, while the rest of us law abiding citizens pay more property taxes.
Just another example of no rules, no enforcement