1.5-ha wildfire near Maple Ridge under control

MAPLE RIDGE – The City of Maple Ridge says a fire that once grew to 1.5 hectares during the weekend is now under control.

According to a social media update posted Monday evening (May 25), the BC Wildfire Service has now updated the status of the wildfire along the interface of the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest to “under control.”

City fire crews and partner agencies will continue monitoring the area to ensure conditions remain stable.

As temperatures rise and wildfire risk increases, the public is reminded to practice fire safety:

• Follow all fire restrictions and closures

• Avoid activities that could create sparks

• Stay out of areas marked closed and obey posted signage

“Thank you to all responding crews, partner agencies, and community members for your support and cooperation throughout this incident,” the city said.

Crews initially responded to reports of a brush fire along Malcolm Knapp forest at approximately 6:30 p.m. Friday night. Approximately 25 personnel from Maple Ridge Firefighters, along with BC Wildfire Service and UBC Forestry, were on scene overnight and into the early morning in “extremely steep and challenging terrain”.

“Those sensitive to smoke are encouraged to keep windows and doors closed and limit outdoor exposure where possible,” wrote the City of Maple Ridge. “Please continue to avoid the area and stay clear of emergency operations personnel and equipment.”

Residents had been asked to refrain from using drones near the incident to avoid interfering with firefighting aircraft. At the same time, the city said the wildfire posed no risk to the public or properties in the area.

The fire is believed to have been human-caused. Its size was 1.5 hectares as of 7 a.m. Saturday morning.