A single tree fire broke out near a homeless encampment at Pacific Spirit Regional Park on Saturday morning.
Vancouver Fire and Rescue said the call came in just before 9 a.m., when some people walking in the area noticed smoke.
A Vancouver fire wildlands unit responded, and found the nearly 30 metre tall tree on fire. They called for backup, with 17 firefighters eventually responding to knock the fire down.
The fire was held to one tree, but it was deep inside the park.
“Mother nature helped us out a little bit, the tree ended up falling over exposed the root system. Crews were able to get at the seat of the fire, said acting battalion Chief Ross Burden.
“Being a tree, the roots are involved, it’s penetrating down into the ground.”
Burden said crews had left a 500 gallon water bladder on site, and that Park Board staff would remain on fire watch at the site.
But he said because the roots were burning, it could be some time before the fire is fully finished.
“It can appear to be out, but there could be something smouldering and it would not present itself until such time later, could be a day or two or a week.”
No one was injured, and investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire.
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