Major Fire Closes Port Terminals in Delta, B.C.

A significant fire broke out at the Westshore Terminals in Delta, British Columbia, on Saturday morning, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky that were visible from as far away as the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal. Eyewitnesses took to social media to share images of the smoke and flames, raising concerns among local residents.

According to Global Container Terminals, the fire did not occur at their GCT Deltaport facility but at the adjacent Westshore Terminals. Both facilities are part of what is known as Roberts Bank, a crucial hub for shipping and coal export in the region.

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority confirmed the fire, identifying it as a "machinery fire" specifically involving a coal stacker. Thankfully, Delta Fire Department responded promptly; fortunately, there have been no reported injuries related to the incident. The fire was confirmed extinguished shortly after, though firefighters remained at the site to monitor for any potential flare-ups.

Due to safety concerns, both Westshore Terminals and GCT Deltaport have temporarily halted operations. The port authority has been tight-lipped about when operations might resume, stating, "We cannot say when the port will be back to normal."

Fire crews were dispatched at around 8:30 a.m. and found the fire confined to a conveyor belt, which they managed to extinguish without allowing it to spread further. The authorities have determined that the cause of the fire does not seem suspicious.

Local resident Jim Hargrove expressed his concerns, having witnessed the smoke billowing from his home on Tsawwassen Beach Road. He noted there were two ships loading coal when the fire started, leading to speculation that a coal-related incident may have contributed to the blaze.

This incident raises important questions about fire safety at key infrastructure sites, especially those handling flammable materials like coal. As the community awaits further updates, the implications of such emergencies on logistics, shipping schedules, and local safety are imminent.

Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving situation as the Delta Fire Department continues to monitor the aftermath of the fire!