A machinery fire erupted at the Westshore Terminal near Delta, B.C., on Saturday morning, December 28, 2024, causing significant disruptions but thankfully resulting in no injuries. The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority confirmed the incident, specifying the fire involved a coal stacker, which is part of the terminal's operations.
Witnesses reported seeing massive plumes of smoke rising from the terminal. Videos shared on social media vividly captured the scene, showing thick black smoke billowing from the facility, alarming residents and commuters heading to the nearby Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal.
According to Arpen Rana, spokesperson for the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, "We can confirm there was a machinery fire this morning at Westshore Terminal in Delta." Delta Fire crews responded quickly to the scene after the fire broke out around 8:30 a.m. The city confirmed the fire was quickly limited to equipment and brought under control, preventing the flames from spreading.
"Delta fire responded to the incident immediately," said Rana, emphasizing the swift action taken by fire services. Firefighters remained on site after extinguishing the blaze to monitor for any flare-ups, showcasing their commitment to safety amid the situation.
The cause of the fire, as determined by investigators, was the coal stacker catching fire at Westshore Terminal. Fortunately, the incident was not suspicious, according to reports from city officials, reassuring the public about the nature of the event.
Eyewitness accounts amplify the chaotic atmosphere during the fire. Julie Hobart, who witnessed the smoke from the vicinity, described, "It was huge, just completely black, going right down the causeway where the coal port is." Her depiction highlights the considerable size of the smoke cloud and the immediate concern it generated among those nearby.
Despite the alarming visuals and unpleasant smells, officials stated there were no reported injuries as the fire was contained effectively. With operations at both the Westshore Terminal and the neighboring GCT Deltaport temporarily shut down, port officials set about assessing the situation and re-evaluated their capacity to resume services safely.
Westshore Terminal, noted as the busiest coal export terminal in Canada, reported the incident and worked closely with Delta Fire to manage the response effectively. Their collaboration ensured the incident was handled both swiftly and efficiently, minimizing any potential risk to the public.
This fire incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by industrial facilities, especially those involved with hazardous materials like coal. The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is dedicated to maintaining safety standards and adhering to protocols aimed at preventing similar occurrences.
While video footage online showed the dramatic spectacle of flames engulfing a conveyor, the prompt action of emergency services ensured there were no injuries reported. The Westshore Terminal management, along with Delta Fire, emphasized the importance of safety and the need to maintain operational integrity as they moved forward.
The situation remained fluid throughout Saturday morning, with authorities still assessing the aftermath and potential impact on shipping and transport operations connected to the terminals. Stakeholders, particularly those relying on ferry operations via the Tsawwassen Terminal, were prompted to keep abreast of any changes potentially stemming from the fire's fallout.
After the fire was successfully brought under control, the focus shifted to recovery and restoring normal operations. Crews stayed vigilant to monitor the site closely, ensuring any remaining hazards were dealt with appropriately.
The Delta port fire, though alarming, concluded without physical injuries, largely due to the rapid response and effective management of the situation by Delta Fire and the port authority. Their preparedness has underscored the importance of safety protocols in the fast-paced environment of port operations.
