Private security firm discovers large fire under Hwy. 1 overpass in Hope, notifies authorities

HOPE – A private security firm conducting routine patrols discovered a large fire underneath an overpass along Highway 1 in Hope early Monday morning and notified local police and fire about its presence.

Brodi Slater, operations director for Valley Protection Services, told Fraser Valley Today in an email that Valley Protection Services personnel were conducting proactive community patrols when they observed a fire burning beneath the Trans-Canada Highway overpass at approximately 4:30 a.m.

The security officers immediately assessed the area to make sure no one was in immediate danger. Once they confirmed there was no ongoing threat to life, security personnel contacted the Hope Fire Department and the Hope RCMP, and remained on scene to monitor the situation and provide updates until emergency crews arrived, Slater said.

A somewhat blurry picture showing the extent of the fire from a distance. (Image Credit: Valley Protection Services.)

Slater says Hope firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control. The fire wound up destroying what appeared to be an encampment structure beneath the overpass.

The remnants of the encampment under the Trans-Canada Highway overpass. (Image Credit: Valley Protection Services.)

Mindful of the large wildfire happening right now in the Fraser Canyon, Slater said this particular fire could have easily spread to nearby trees and other vegetation.

“This is another example of how contracted security services play a vital role in community safety,” Slater said. “With the devastating wildfires already impacting areas near Boston Bar, the last thing our community needs is another uncontrolled fire. Our officers identified the hazard early, ensured public safety, notified the appropriate emergency agencies, and remained on scene until the incident was under control. This is exactly why VPS exists—to proactively protect our community and support our emergency services when every minute matters.”

Valley Protection Services says it conducts proactive patrols throughout Hope, identifies potential hazards, responds to various emergencies, and works alongside local first responders to help keep the community safe.

Earlier this year, the District of Hope announced in January 2026 that it would utilize private security due to repeated instances of wire theft from streetlights.

Downtown Hope. (Image Credit: District of Hope.)

In a statement, the district said incidents of wire theft started in the Richmond Hill area and had spread to Park Street and 4th Avenue.

In the aftermath of the repeated criminal incidents, municipal public works crews assessed and repaired the damage, but the theft of underground wiring caused repeated disruptions and safety concerns. As a result, a private security company had been contracted since December 2025 to actively patrol the impacted areas.