A significant fire broke out near the Oak Street Bridge in Richmond, British Columbia, on Thursday evening, sending plumes of thick black smoke into the sky and prompting air quality concerns across the region. The blaze, which began around 9 p.m. PT, originated in an industrial building near the River Rock Casino Resort and quickly spread to a nearby rail bridge.
Richmond Fire-Rescue responded promptly to the scene, with Assistant Deputy Chief of Operations Grant Wyenberg reporting that firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke and flames emanating from the building. The fire crews swiftly brought the blaze under control, though not before it had extended to an old trestle bridge just north of the initial site.
The Metro Vancouver Regional District issued an air quality bulletin due to the fire, particularly concerning the black smoke produced by the burning rail bridge. Residents experiencing shortness of breath, chest discomfort, severe coughing, or dizziness were advised to seek medical attention. By Friday morning, the fire had been fully extinguished, and air quality had improved significantly thanks to favorable winds in the area.
Richmond Fire Chief Jim Wishlove confirmed on Friday that no injuries were reported as a result of the fire. He also noted that the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Wishlove suggested that the intense black smoke was likely due to the burning of creosote, a wood preservative commonly used on railway bridges.
The incident led to the temporary closure of the Oak Street Bridge, a major transportation artery connecting Richmond to Vancouver. DriveBC later announced that the bridge had reopened in both directions by Friday morning.
Despite its proximity to Vancouver International Airport, located approximately two kilometers west of the fire site, airport operations were not affected, according to a statement released by the airport authorities.
The fire drew significant attention from local residents and visitors alike. Que Gardner, a tourist from Jacksonville, Florida, witnessed the fire’s progression from inside the casino. Local resident Jacob Joseph, who observed the fire from near Lansdowne Park, expressed his shock at the unprecedented scale of the blaze in Richmond.
As cleanup efforts begin, Fire Chief Wishlove indicated that the process would involve coordination between several levels of government. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential hazards associated with industrial areas and the crucial role of rapid emergency response in minimizing damage and protecting public safety.
This event highlights the importance of robust emergency preparedness and the need for ongoing vigilance in industrial zones near populated areas. As investigations into the cause of the fire continue, local authorities will likely review fire prevention measures and emergency response protocols to enhance safety in the region.
