WATCH: Crews have started tearing down the docks destroyed by fire in Squamish.
Crews have started tearing down the docks destroyed by fire in Squamish even as hot spots continue to burn.
“The dock has to come down anyways,” says Squamish Fire Chief Bob Fulton. “It’s not stable. It’s damaged too badly by fire. By tearing it apart we can finally get all the hot spots out and stop the smoke.”
Fire crews suspect the blaze began as an electrical fire, possibly sparking at a nearby power box.
Days later, new damage is coming to light. Up to 100,000 young chum salmon may have been lost in the fire, possibly escaping from or dying inside underwater pens near the burning dock.
WATCH: Full coverage of the Squamish fire
The Ministry of Environment has issued an air quality warning for the region, warning residents with underlying medical conditions to avoid strenuous exercise and stay indoors.
The District of Squamish says air quality readings are currently indicating low concern, but fire suppression efforts may temporarily result in deteriorating air quality.
Residents are also asked to limit water use and to avoid beaches close to the water, where debris from the fire is visible.
The district says the environment ministry and various other supporting agencies are working on environmental protection and response.
The massive blaze broke out Thursday evening and was contained, but not extinguished, by Friday morning and an earlier air quality warning was lifted at that time.
-with files from Jeremy Hunka and Canadian Press
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