Fireboats assist in battling cliffside brush fire in West Vancouver, now under control
Fireboats assist in battling cliffside brush fire in West Vancouver, now under control
20 July 2018
Published by https://vancouversun.com/
CANADA – According to assistant fire chief Jeff Bush, crews received a call about a developing wildfire at about 1:30 p.m. and arrived to discover a blaze making its way into the brush.
The fire’s location, on a ledge overlooking the sea at a popular spot for cliff-jumpers, posed problems for fire crews.
“It was extremely difficult for our crews to access because it’s pretty much a sheer cliff,” said Bush.
Two fireboats from Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services were brought in to assist with the battle.
An unwelcome sea breeze exacerbated the issue, threatening to push the fire towards residences nearby at 5500 Parthenon Place.
“Our crews set up a defensive line — got it knocked down very quickly,” Bush said.
Fire crews remain on scene, attacking all remaining hotspots and soaking the area thoroughly to ensure the fire stays out.
The cause of the fire has not been determined, but as there were no reports of dry lightning, Bush suggested it may have been caused by humans.
“I would say it was likely smoking material, but it’s so difficult to tell at this time,” he said.
