By Canadian Press

Residents of Mission, B.C., told to stay inside after derelict ferry burns

May 3, 2025 | 11:22 AM

Residents in parts of Mission, B.C., have been told to shelter in place with their windows closed after a derelict ferry caught fire.

A statement from the city says its emergency operations centre has been activated in response to a fire aboard the Queen of Sidney ferry currently moored in the Fraser River.

It says residents nearby should stay inside because of smoke and the potential presence of hazardous airborne materials.

RCMP in Mission say they were notified of the fire around 2 a.m. Saturday and photos online show the boat completely engulfed in flames.

The city says the Canadian Coast Guard is deploying to the scene to assist with marine and environmental safety.

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On its website the city says the fire is considered suspicious but the RCMP says there is currently nothing to indicate the fire was intentionally set.

“Although due to the hazardous nature of the smoke and the overall condition of the vessel, investigators have not been able to board the former ferry,” the police statement says.

The retired BC Ferries vessel was in operation from 1960 to 2000.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 3, 2025

The Canadian Press