Fire burns homes in abandoned Sechelt neighbourhood as unstable ground prevents suppression

A fire is burning in Sechelt’s abandoned Seawatch neighbourhood, where firefighters say hazardous ground conditions prevent them from safely extinguishing the blaze.

The 14-home neighbourhood was evacuated in 2019 after a series of sinkholes and continuing geotechnical instability made it unsafe. Residents forced from the area have not been permitted to return.

The Sechelt Fire Department said emergency crews cannot safely access the property to fight the fire directly. On Sunday morning, it asked the public to stay away, warning that the burning structures are expected to produce smoke and off-gassing for several days.

The department said people should not be near off-gassing structure fires without appropriate personal protective equipment, and advised nearby residents to close windows if they smell smoke. The Sechelt Fire Department, RCMP, District of Sechelt and BC Wildfire Service are monitoring the fire. Anyone who notices increased fire activity is asked to call the Sechelt Fire Department at 604-740-2595.