While Metro Vancouver has been shrouded in smoke from wildfires from the North American west coast for the past few days, firefighters are in New Westminster tonight (September 13) battling a blaze that has broken out at Westminster Pier Park, west of the Pattullo Bridge.

A portion of the boardwalk was reported to be on fire and the New Westminster Police Department stated that Front Street has been closed in both directions from East Columbia to Stewardson Way.

An art installation—a W made from shipping containers entitled WOW Westminster by artist José Resende—has been surrounded by flames.

Vancouver Fire Rescue Services deputy chief Tyler Moore stated on social media that one of their fireboats has been sent to assist with the fire.

https://twitter.com/easydoesit65/status/1305358257649668096

TransLink announced that SkyTrain service on the Expo Line between Columbia Station and Scott Road Station were suspended due to the fire. Expo Line service continues between Waterfront Station and Production Way Station.

Buses will operate instead between Columbia and Scott Road stations.

Millennium and Canada Line service isn’t affected.

https://twitter.com/FinanceHga/status/1305344005815713792

The Vancouver fire boat was also deployed last week when North Vancouver firefighters fought a wildfire that broke out in Deep Cove on the evening of September 9 and was brought under control on September 10.

This past weekend, smoke from wildfires raging along the North American west coast led to Vancouver being among the top cities in the world with the worst air quality.