Peninsula Daily News news sources
SQUAMISH, B.C. — An order to stay indoors has been lifted and school classes resumed today following a major fire at a marine terminal that filled the air with thick black smoke for much of the night.
“Our air intake vents at our schools were off as of 3 p.m. yesterday and were remotely accessed last evening to ensure they would not open this morning. We have also had staff out checking on schools and the air quality at each of them since very early this morning,” said a statement issued by the school district.
Officials with the municipality also said air quality was improved and the order to stay indoors had been lifted for now, but cautioned conditions could change.
Squamish is north of Vancouver on the road to the snow resort of Whistler.
Vancouver fire officials confirmed that as of 8 a.m. a fireboat remained on the scene fighting the fire.
“As fire crews continue to battle the blaze, air quality could change throughout the day due to variables such as wind, heat and fire fighting efforts. Provincial officials will continue to monitor the air quality and we will advise here if a shelter-in-place alert needs to be reinstated,” said a statement issued by emergency officials.
Residents of Squamish were initially advised to stay stay indoors and close their windows and doors on Thursday evening, while emergency responders fought the large fire at the nearby marine terminal.
The fire started shortly after 6 p.m. at the pier, which is built from timber treated with creosote posts. Large plumes of smoke filled the sky over the town for much of the night.
By 1 a.m., the fire was reported to be 90 percent extinguished, but firefighters were waiting for the tide to drop so that they could access smoldering remains of the fire under the dock.
Nobody was hurt in the fire. The cause has yet to be released.
It also remains unclear how the damage will affect operations at Squamish terminals, which have been closed for the day today.
