New Westminster’s historic pier area is still on fire and could continue burning for several days, according to the New Westminster Fire Department.
The fire is at Westminster Pier Park and local firefighters are battling to contain it. According to a tweet by Vancouver Fire Department Deputy Chief Tyler Moore, Vancouver's fireboat was dispatched to help battle the flames.
See the incredible video below by local resident Keith Gagne. It shows the fire spread out along the park area, which is located on the Fraser River. A witness told the Record that flames were shooting 20 feet in the air at one point.
This is incredible. Iconic pier, over 150yrs old, will be burned to the ground. This is unstoppable. Sad, sad day. #nwfire @CTVVancouverBRK @CTVVancouver @NEWS1130Traffic @TriCityNews @cbcnewsbc pic.twitter.com/NrUeEw00lm
— keith (@kgagne3) September 14, 2020
Due to the fire, SkyTrain service between Columbia and Scott Road stations was cancelled but is up and running this morning, according to a statement by TransLink.
The area is a major recreational area in New Westminster. In 2015, the park, which includes a variety of amenities, was named Metro Vancouver’s best boardwalk. The area is also known for its giant W.
Oh my heart. I’m just gutted. Our community, my former colleagues at the city and I worked so hard to fund and build this. This is devastating. https://t.co/IAMwMqYBkI
— Ruby Campbell (@RubyCampbell) September 14, 2020
More details will be provided on the fire when they become available.
Big fire in @New_Westminster. Fire fighters battle blaze on the pier.... @CHEK_News @DailyHiveVan @CTVVancouver @VancouverSun pic.twitter.com/1ARYcnMWhx
— keith (@kgagne3) September 14, 2020
