Fire stretching blocks destroys part of pier park in New Westminster

A massive fire on Sunday engulfed a portion of Westminster Pier Park in New Westminster, B.C., destroying the oldest parts of the pier and leaving the city's chief tourist attraction and community gem in ruin.

Flames tore through the eastern end of the waterfront boardwalk, near the foot of the SkyBridge across the Fraser River. The city's fire chief said the fire, which stretched several blocks at its peak, began moving "very quickly" after log pilings beneath the timber promenade started to burn.

"It was actually a five-, six-acre site under the pier that was fully involved," said Chief Tim Armstrong.

Fire officials said the blaze has worked its way into the creosote pilings and could burn for days.

The park, which was opened in 2012 after an extensive remodelling, is packed with grassy areas and gardens, trees, picnic tables, courts, public art and playgrounds. It is a cherished community hub and top tourist spot all year-round, with the 600-metre waterfront boardwalk the main attraction.

There are two main sections to the park: a brand-new section and the old wooden pier. The new area was unaffected, but the old section, with the well known "Wow Westminster" public art installation, was destroyed.

"It will not be salvageable," New Westminster Mayor Jonathan Cote said.

Firefighters from neighbouring cities sent crews to help the New Westminster Fire Department contain the fire late Sunday. Thick clouds of dark, acrid smoke poured out of the fire, billowing into a glowing sky already dangerously hazy with smoke from wildfires in the United States.

The orange glow of the blaze was visible from across the Fraser River in Surrey, B.C.

Cote said the public is being asked to stay away from New Westminster's downtown if they can, as the air quality is extremely poor because of the smoke. Classes have been suspended at three schools due to concerns around the effects of the fire.

"It is definitely not putting out the kind of smoke people should be breathing," he said.

The entirety of the park and a portion of Front Street remain closed in the area as firefighters work. Cote said the fire department and the Coast Guard are working to lessen any environmental impacts of the fire on the Fraser River.

There was no SkyTrain service between Columbia and Scott Road stations because of the fire late Sunday. Service has since been restored.