A large dock fire in Squamish, British Columbia on Thursday caused thick black smoke to blanket the town and forced authorities to issue a Shelter-In-Place order for nearby communities.
The fire broke out at Squamish Terminals’ East Berth just after 6 p.m. Thursday. As of midnight, the fire was 90% contained with Squamish Fire Rescue and fire boats from Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services responding.
Squamish Terminals is a deep-water, break-bulk terminal located at the north end of Howe Sound, 32 nautical miles north of the Port of Vancouver.
The fire was not on the vessel – reported to be the MV Star Atlantic – that was tied up to the dock; the vessel was cut loose and is safely away from the dock, the terminal operator said.
Air quality improved overnight, allowing officials to lift the Shelter-In-Place order as of Friday morning.
The Ministry of the Environment is on the scene and continuing to monitor air quality.
All employees and crew members that were onsite have been accounted for and are safe, Squamish Terminals reported.
Here’s some video of the fire:
Large fire burning near #Squamish terminals http://t.co/WLojz5h01P
— CKNW (@CKNW) April 17, 2015