Burns Bog fire 50 per cent contained
Posted July 4, 2016 8:16 am.
Last Updated July 5, 2016 6:30 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
DELTA (NEWS 1130) – The Burns Bog fire remains an estimated 78 hectares in size but there is some good news from the area.
The fire is 50 per cent contained and fire experts believe they will make more significant process before the day is over.
The evacuation order for the Tilbury industrial park was lifted at 8 p.m. on Monday.
Helicopters were deployed, but no water bombers were be used in Monday’s firefighting efforts.
About 90 firefighters will be tackling the fire from both the north and south fronts, in an effort to push it away from the Tilbury Industrial Area.
River Road and other roads in the Tilbury Industrial Area were re-opened with the exception of Progress Way between 76th and 80th Streets.
Highway 17 remains closed from Highway 99 to Highway 91. The route is being used as an access route for first-responders. It is expected to be closed at least until Friday.
Related article: PHOTOS: Burns Bog fire
On Sunday, about 100 firefighters were battling the blaze, including teams from as far as Squamish and Hope. Monday, crews from the BC Wildfire Service and Metro Vancouver continued to help, but firefighters from neighbouring municipalities were no longer involved in the firefighting efforts.
One Delta firefighter has been taken to hospital due to a medical condition aggravated by the smoky conditions.
Smoke can be seen and smelled throughout Metro Vancouver, but no air quality advisory has been issued.
Dan called NEWS 1130 handsfree as he was heading into Vancouver from the south Monday morning. “Coming across the Arthur Laing Bridge, you can see a smoky haze all across the south end of the city… hanging over the homes, looking out to UBC and also looking to the east towards the Knight Street Bridge — you can definitely see a smoke layer there.”
“Cooler air could help out a little bit,” said NEWS 1130 Meteorologist Russ Lacate. “We’ve experienced some blustery conditions overnight and the wind may be gusty at times again during the day. As far as rainfall totals go, it’s minimal for the Monday forecast — a brief passing shower later this morning and a couple of additional showers for the afternoon, but nothing more than that.”
“But Mother Nature will help out with the fire situation overnight and early Tuesday. Some heavier showers are expected to be here for the first half of the day tomorrow,” he adds.
It’s unclear how the fire started, but lightning has been ruled out as as cause.
On Sunday, the Corporation of Delta said it expects it will be at least a week before the fire is completely put out.
