An early season wildfire in Maple Ridge was brought under control Saturday with no damage to structures or injuries to report. But it’s raised concerns about what’s still to come with climate agencies predicting one of the hottest summers on record.
“I don’t think this is the one off. I think we have to be prepared for this over and over again,” said the mayor of Maple Ridge, Dan Ruimy.
Officials say the fire, which had been classified as out of control but was ultimately contained at 1.5 hectares, was about 350 meters.
“Away from a residential area, climate change it’s here. Whatever you believe, it’s here. It’s having an impact. We’re seeing these events happening sooner and sooner and we have to be prepared for that,” said Ruimy.
The fire was reported at about 6:30 Friday night near the Rock Ridge neighborhood and crews worked well into the night to bring it back under control.
“It was very challenging terrain where the fire was, it was very steep rock face,” said Dave Samson, Fire Chief, Maple Ridge Fire and Rescue Services.
The terrain made it difficult to locate and tackle the fire, but it also cut the fire off from the nearby community ensuring there was no need to issue evacuation warnings.
But Fire Chief Dave Samson says that with the memories of last year’s LA wildfire still fresh, they’re prepared for anything.
“Climate change, it is affecting things. So these are potentially a risk to urban areas, which is why we’ve really changed our focus, specialized equipment, different levels of training,” said Samson.
“You know, you don’t think it’s going to happen in your backyard, but if you look at our backyard,” said Ruimy.
Maple Ridge has been making investments in first responders in recent years, including hiring 25 new firefighters.
“In the event of a massive fire or the event of massive flooding, we’re ready to do the best that we can and we’re prepared for that,” said Ruimy.
Police have yet to officially confirm the cause of the fire, but Mayor Ruimy says that preliminary indications are that there was human involvement.