Wildfire burning at Minnekhada Regional Park in Coquitlam, B.C. sitting nearly 12 hectares

Minnekhada Regional Park in Port Coquitlam, B.C., remains closed on Sunday as firefighters and wildfire crews continue to battle the ongoing wildfire at the park.

The wildfire, which is burning in steep terrain in the park, is currently around 12 hectares in size, according to the BC Wildfire Service.

“(Saturday) morning, a brush fire was reported at Minnekhada Regional Park in the City of Port Coquitlam,” Brant Arnold-Smith said, a program manager for Metro Vancouver Regional District.

“The fire increased in size overnight. The location of the fire is in extremely steep and challenging terrain.

“Operations are expected to span multiple days.”

The regional district is warning residents to that air quality is being affected by the fire.

The BC Wildfire Service has ground crews at the fire, consisting of 23 firefighters who are assisted by two helicopters.

The fire is now considered to be out of control, according to the BC Wildfire Service.

“BC Wildfire Service and Metro Vancouver watershed protection crews have resumed ground and helicopter operations (Sunday) morning to extinguish a wildfire,” Metro Vancouver Regional District staff said, in a social media post.

Metro Vancouver is also reminding people that the use of drones around an active wildfire is illegal, after a civilian reportedly flew a drone over the fire on Saturday.

“(Saturday) evening, a civilian drone was flown over the fire around 7 p.m.,” BC Wildfire Service staff said, in a tweet.

“The use of drone impedes operations and puts firefighters and pilots at risk.”

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