Hundreds were evacuated in Canada's Pacific coast city of Vancouver as chemical laden smoke billowed from a container fire in the port of Vancouver Wednesday, March 3, 2015.
Photo Credit: CBC

Port Vancouver fire raises health concerns, evacuations

Hundreds of people were told to stay indoors in the downtown core of Canada`s Pacific coast city of Vancouver on Wednesday (March 3) as a four-alarm fire blazed in the Port of Vancouver. As the fire smoldered the next day, health officials said the risk was over to smoke exposure from the fire, but those with health conditions were warned they should monitor symptoms for another 24 hours.

The fire seen across the Vancouver skyline started Wednesday afternoon and burned in a single shipping container releasing chemical-laden smoke.

“All civilians get inside right away. If you live in the immediate area, go home.This is not a test,” ordered one police officer through the loudspeaker of his patrol car on Wednesday, the Vancouver Sun newspaper reported.

Thirteen people were treated at Vancouver hospitals for smoke inhalation on Wednesday, all were released.

A Port Metro Vancouver update Thursday morning noted that “Fire officials have isolated the fire and continue to monitor the container.”

It also pointed out “Our primary concern continues to be the safety of first responders, the public and all port workers. Port operations have resumed on the South Shore of Burrard Inlet, with the exception of the Centerm container terminal, which remains closed, and a 100 metre exclusion zone around the burning container.”

More information:
CBC News – Port Metro Vancouver chemical fire under control – here
Vancouver Sun – 13 people were treated in hospital after Vancouver waterfront fire: officials (with video) – here
Port Metro Vancouver updates – here
CBC News – Port Metro Vancouver chemical fire may cause health problems today – here

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Categories: Environment & Animal Life, Health
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