Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media /

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Fire east of Vedder Bridge

Update: Chilliwack firefighters battle log pile fire with provincial crews east of the Vedder Bridge

Sep 10, 2024 | 1:39 PM

UPDATE AT 4:15 P.M. TUESDAY:  Chilliwack Engine 4-2 and an air support unit are clear of the scene from today’s log pile fire at 4:15 p.m. Tuesday.

UPDATE AT 1:57 P.M.: Chilliwack Fire Department Engine 4 has been cleared of the log pile fire as of 1:47 p.m., and has transferred command to Engine 4-2, which remains on scene of the log pile fire.

CHILLIWACK — A fire believed to be at least 20-by-20, possibly bigger, consumed a log pile just east of the Vedder Bridge around mid-day Tuesday, prompting a joint response between Chilliwack Fire Department crews and provincial forestry personnel.

Multiple fire units were called to the area just east of Sidekick Brewing at approximately 12:13 p.m. for the report of a log pile on fire, according to a scanner recording provided to Fraser Valley Today by Chilliwack resident Julie Hiscock.

A Chilliwack-area firefighter initially observed the fire and reportedly told dispatch it was around 20 feet by 20 feet.

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The fire may have appeared minor from a distance but had the potential to spread as the logs crackled loudly from being burned.

Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media /

A helicopter circled at least twice above the fire while fire crews responded.

Fire crews continue to attack the fire as of 1:20 p.m. Tuesday. Aircraft could be heard flying over the area as of 1:37 p.m.

It’s not immediately known what caused the fire, but there are homeless camps on both sides of Sweltzer Creek close to where the log pile fire occurred.