Minnekhada Regional Park in Coquitlam will partially re-open Friday, Oct. 28 after heavy rains squelched a human-caused wildfire.
According to Metro Vancouver, which is responsible for the 200-hectare park, the blaze that started earlier this month has been "fully extinguished" and is considered out.
The following trails will re-open — fully or in part:
- Lodge Trail
- Meadow Trail
- Log Walk
- Quarry Trail
However, all other trails remain closed indefinitely while crews remove hazard trees, conduct archaeological, environmental and safety assessments, and develop a restoration plan for the areas damaged by the fire.
For a map of Minnekhada trails, visit here.
Meanwhile, Oliver Road is currently open to pedestrians and cyclists, but remains closed to vehicle traffic.
On Oct. 1, BC Wildfire Service, Metro Vancouver and the Coquitlam Fire/Rescue Department responded to reports of a fire in the High Knoll area of the park, which grew to 14 hectares in size.
Crews worked long hours to get the fire under control, despite extremely dry conditions and challenging terrain.
Following the recent rainfall, there are no remaining hot spots burning in the park, according to a Metro Vancouver press release.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but is believed to be human caused.
Efforts to put out the blaze over the past several weeks earned kudos from Metro Vancouver officials.
“We are incredibly proud of the firefighting crews who battled this wildfire on steep and challenging terrain,” said Sav Dhaliwal, chair of the Metro Vancouver board of directors.
“The response to this wildfire was truly a collaborative effort, with ground crews, supported by helicopters, working to protect this incredible regional park while preserving public and crew safety.”
John McEwen, chair of the Metro Vancouver Regional Parks Committee and Anmore's mayor, called the park a "gem" and expressed pleasure at the fact some trails will soon be open to the public.
But he cautioned that cleaning up after the wildfire will take time.
“There is still a lot of work ahead to restore the park and I strongly urge the public to stay out of areas that remain closed and present significant safety hazards.”
The Metro Vancouver Regional Parks Foundation, in partnership with the Minnekhada Park Association, has launched an emergency fundraising appeal to support restoration efforts.
The foundation will be matching all donations up to $10,000.
Since 1981, Minnekhada Regional Park has been a popular spot in Coquitlam for residents to enjoy a hike and watch for wildlife. Adjacent to the Pitt River, the park and its marsh support important local ecosystems and extensive bear habitat.
The park also features Minnekhada Lodge — once part of a historic 1930s country estate.
