Richmond, British Columbia, is grappling with a significant blaze near the Fraser River, close to the Oak Street Bridge, causing thick plumes of smoke visible across Metro Vancouver. The Oak Street Bridge has been shut down in both directions, urging motorists to seek alternative routes. The fire reportedly erupted near the old railroad tracks adjacent to the River Rock Casino Resort. As of now, there have been no reports of casualties.
The fire broke out on Thursday evening, with Richmond Fire-Rescue swiftly dispatching multiple trucks to the scene by the Fraser River around 8:15 p.m.
According to the Metro Vancouver Regional District, an old rail bridge caught fire, contributing to the billowing black smoke. Concerns over air quality prompted the district to issue a bulletin, advising individuals experiencing symptoms like shortness of breath or severe coughing to seek medical assistance.
Social media images depict smoke rising near the River Rock Casino, although the cause of the fire remains undetermined as of late Thursday.
Traffic updates from DriveBC indicated disruptions near the Oak Street Bridge due to the fire.
Despite the scale of the incident, operations at Vancouver International Airport remain unaffected, according to a statement released on Thursday.
Witnesses, such as Que Gardner from Jacksonville, Florida, described the scene unfolding rapidly while at the casino, attributing the thick smoke to burning tar on the rail bridge.
Jacob Joseph, who observed the fire from Lansdowne Park, expressed shock, stating, “I’m shaken up. I’ve never seen anything like this in Richmond.”
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as firefighters work to contain the blaze, striving to ensure public safety and minimize further disruptions.
