An old railway trestle bridge in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada erupted in flames on Thursday evening, June 20, 2024, creating a spectacular and alarming scene that disrupted traffic and prompted air quality concerns across Metro Vancouver.
The massive fire, which began in an industrial building before spreading to the bridge, required an extended firefighting effort and left investigators searching for answers.
The blaze broke out around 8 p.m. near the River Rock Casino in Richmond, quickly engulfing an old wooden railway trestle bridge that spans the North Arm of the Fraser River. Eyewitnesses reported seeing thick plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky, visible from as far away as Bowen Island, approximately 12 miles from the fire’s location.
Richmond Fire-Rescue, assisted by the Vancouver Fire Department’s marine unit, worked tirelessly through the night to combat the flames. The firefighters faced significant challenges due to the bridge’s location over water and its construction materials. Jim Wishlove, Chief of Richmond Fire-Rescue, explained, “The wooden bridge was likely soaked in chemicals that fueled the flames, making it particularly difficult to extinguish.”
The fire’s intensity and the resulting smoke led to the closure of the nearby Oak Street Bridge, a major artery connecting Richmond and Vancouver. DriveBC reported that the bridge was closed in both directions for several hours on Thursday night, causing significant traffic disruptions in the area. The bridge reopened early Friday morning, but commuters were advised to expect residual delays.
The Metro Vancouver Regional District issued an air quality bulletin as the smoke spread across the region. Residents, particularly those with respiratory issues, were cautioned about potential health risks associated with the poor air quality. By Friday afternoon, the air quality had improved to low-risk levels, but officials continued to monitor the situation closely.
Vancouver International Airport, located just a few miles from the fire site, reported that its operations were not directly impacted. However, airport authorities advised passengers to allow extra time for their journeys due to potential traffic congestion in the area.
As the flames subsided, attention turned to the investigation of the fire’s cause and origin. Chief Wishlove stated, “Our investigation team is on-site, but we’re prioritizing the safety of our staff, the public, and the surrounding structures before beginning a full investigation.” He added that structural engineers would need to assess the integrity of the damaged structures before investigators could safely proceed.
The bridge itself, known as the Marpole Rail Bridge, has a long history dating back to its original construction in 1902. It was replaced in 1966 and had been out of use for over a decade. Interestingly, this is not the first time the bridge has been involved in a fire incident. In 2014, the other end of the trestle caught fire, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with aging infrastructure.
The fire’s impact extended beyond immediate safety concerns, raising questions about environmental effects and cleanup efforts. The bridge was reportedly coated in creosote, a wood preservative known for its flammability and toxicity. Environmental agencies are expected to be involved in assessing any potential contamination of the Fraser River resulting from the fire and subsequent firefighting efforts.
Local businessman John Chen, whose office overlooks the bridge, described the scene: “It was like something out of a disaster movie. The flames were enormous, and the smoke was so thick it blotted out the sun. I’ve never seen anything like it in all my years living here.”
As the community begins to recover from the incident, questions are arising about the future of the damaged bridge and the broader implications for infrastructure safety in the region. The cleanup and potential demolition of the remaining structure are expected to involve multiple levels of government, given the bridge’s location and historical significance.
While the spectacular nature of the fire captured public attention, officials emphasized that the incident ended without any reported injuries. However, the economic impact, including the costs of firefighting efforts, environmental cleanup, and potential infrastructure replacement, is yet to be fully assessed.
