Richmond rail bridge fire still smouldering, crews to be on site all day

The massive fire that wrecked an inactive rail trestle bridge between Vancouver and Richmond is still smouldering Friday, after crews worked to knock down the fire for more than eight hours.

Richmond Fire-Rescue Assistant Deputy Chief Grant Wyenberg tells CityNews firefighters fought the trestle fire until 5 a.m.

“We still have a presence on scene as we identify and extinguish hot spots before starting the fire investigation,” he said.

“The terrain and the materials involved have made for a very challenging fire to extinguish completely.”

The fire broke out around 9 p.m. Thursday, sending massive plumes of thick black smoke into the air.

The fire was visible from as far away as Bowen Island, and an air quality statement was in effect for the entirety of Metro Vancouver as air quality dramatically dipped due to the smoke.

The smell of the fire could still be found around Vancouver and Richmond, however, Metro Vancouver believes the statement will be rescinded Friday.

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