Two homes evacuated as wildfire burns in Metro Vancouver park

Two homes on Fern Drive in Anmore were evacuated Wednesday as crews responded to a wildfire in Metro Vancouver’s təmtəmíxʷtən Belcarra Regional Park. An evacuation alert was issued for 35 additional addresses, with residents urged to prepare to leave on short notice.

Officials advised affected residents to pack essential identification, medications, eyeglasses and important papers, and to plan assistance for children, people with disabilities and neighbours who may need it.

Metro Vancouver incident commander Brant Arnold-Smith said the fire was about 300 metres from the nearest property. Three helicopters were bucketing water on the blaze and making progress, while ground crews were initially held back by downed BC Hydro lines. The utility was expected to de-energize the lines by early evening.

Arnold-Smith said it was not known whether the lines caused the fire or fell after it started. He added that the lack of strong winds was helping crews work more safely.

The BC Wildfire Service listed the approximately 1.5-hectare fire as out of control and suspected human activity, either accidental or intentional, as the cause. The park’s fire danger rating was high, and a campfire ban remained in effect across much of the South Coast.