BC Wildfire Service has now changed the status of the fire along the interface of the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest to “Under Control.”
City fire crews and partner agencies will continue monitoring the area to ensure conditions remain stable.
As temperatures rise and wildfire risk increases, the public is reminded to practice fire safety:
• Follow all fire restrictions and closures
• Avoid activities that could create sparks
• Stay out of areas marked closed and obey posted signage
Thank you to all responding crews, partner agencies, and community members for your support and cooperation throughout this incident.
Rock Ridge Area Fire Update #5 (May 23 10:15 PM)
The status of the fire along the interface of the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest has now been changed to “Held" and is contained.
UBC fire crews will continue Fire Watch operations overnight and City fire crews will continue monitoring the area throughout the week to ensure conditions remain stable.
BC Wildfire Service will provide a final assessment of the fire site during the week.
The public is asked to avoid areas marked closed and to follow all posted signage and directions from crews working in the area.
Thank you to all responding crews and partner agencies for their continued efforts and support throughout this incident.
Updates will continue to be provided should conditions change.
Rock Ridge Area Fire Update # 4 (May 23, 12:30 PM)
Maple Ridge Fire & Rescue crews remain on site continuing to work throughout the day alongside BC Wildfire Service crews to respond to the smoldering ground fire along the interface of the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest.
Fire activity has slowed down and the fire is currently contained. The expectation is for the fire to reach “Held” status by the end of the day. Assessment of trees and surrounding hazards in the area is currently underway.
At this time, the wildfire continues to not pose a threat to structures, critical infrastructure, or public safety.
There have been no reported injuries to the public or firefighters.
Thank you to all crews who continue to work tirelessly to protect our community.
Smoke may continue to impact some residents in the area. Those sensitive to smoke are encouraged to keep windows and doors closed and limit outdoor exposure where possible.
Updates continue to be provided through our social media channels and website at MapleRidge.ca/News.
We have also received questions regarding why an emergency alert was not issued during this incident. At no time did the fire pose an immediate danger to public safety or nearby properties that would require an emergency alert.
We encourage residents to stay informed during future emergency incidents by signing up for notifications at MapleRidge.ca/Alert.
Rock Ridge Area Fire Update #3 (May 23, 9:15 AM)
Maple Ridge Fire & Rescue crews continue to respond to the fire located at the top of the Rock Ridge area along the interface of the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest. The fire, which started at approximately 6:30 PM yesterday evening, is currently estimated at 1.5 hectares in extremely steep and challenging terrain.
Approximately 25 personnel were on scene and into the early morning hours. Crews will continue active firefighting operations throughout the day.
Conditions remained stable overnight and weather conditions held as forecasted, assisting crews in preventing further fire escalation.
We continue to work closely with staff and equipment operators from the UBC Malcolm Knapp Research Forest. Additional support resources are also being coordinated with BC Wildfire Service fire crews to assist with fire suppression efforts this morning.
At this time, there is no risk to the public or nearby properties. There have been no reported injuries to the public or firefighters.
Thank you to all crews who worked tirelessly throughout the evening and overnight to help protect our community.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Smoke may continue to impact some residents in the area. Those sensitive to smoke are encouraged to keep windows and doors closed and limit outdoor exposure where possible.
Please continue to avoid the area for your safety and to prevent interference with firefighting and water shuttling activities. The public is also reminded to not operate drones anywhere near the fire area as they may interfere with aircraft operations supporting firefighting efforts.
Updates will be provided as further information becomes available.
Rock Ridge Area Fire Update #2 (May 22, 10:45 PM)
Maple Ridge Fire & Rescue crews continue to respond to the fire located at the top of the Rock Ridge area along the interface of the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest.
Crews are actively working to contain the fire and will remain on scene overnight. Operations are taking place in extremely steep and challenging terrain.
Additional support resources are being coordinated with the BC Wildfire Service and UBC Forestry fire crews to assist with fire suppression efforts.
At this time, there is no risk to the public or properties in the area.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation and is currently unknown.
Those sensitive to smoke are encouraged to keep windows and doors closed and limit outdoor exposure where possible.
Please continue to avoid the area and stay clear of emergency operations personnel and equipment.
Updates will be provided as further information becomes available.
Rock Ridge Area Fire Update #1 (May 22, 8:00 PM)
Maple Ridge Fire & Rescue Services is currently on scene and responding to a ground fire in the upper Rock Ridge area.
Residents in the surrounding area who are concerned with smoke conditions, please keep windows and doors closed.
Updates will be provided as further information becomes available.
