Richmond fire crews extinguish backyard tent fire as B.C. wildfire season intensifies
A blaze behind a house near Cambie and Garden City roads sparked a reminder for residents to stay alert as wildfire season lengthens and begins earlier each year.
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Update — July 24, 2026: Wildfire smoke has prompted the suspension of all outdoor sporting events at the 2026 BC Summer Games in Kelowna as of July 23, with the Central Okanagan under an orange air quality warning and the broader Okanagan region at the highest level on British Columbia's air quality health index. Indoor sports competitions continue as scheduled, and organizers said they will monitor conditions to determine when outdoor events can resume.
Richmond Fire-Rescue quickly extinguished a backyard fire on Wednesday afternoon near Cambie and Garden City roads after a passerby reported flames around noon.
Crews found a tent structure burning amid heavy debris and extended a handline to the rear of the property to put out the fire. The blaze produced a large volume of black smoke visible to nearby residents.
Richmond Fire-Rescue deputy chief Trevor Northrup described it as a small event, but used it as a cautionary moment. "The start of wildfire season is occurring earlier and earlier and extending later and later," he said. Residents are urged to remain alert about potential ignition sources and call 911 immediately if they see any signs of fire.
The cause and damage remain under investigation.
At a glance
Where did the Richmond fire happen?
The fire occurred in a backyard near Cambie and Garden City roads in Richmond on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, around noon.
What was burning?
A tent structure surrounded by heavy debris caught fire in the backyard.
What should residents do if they see fire?
Residents should call 911 immediately if they see any signs of fire, and should remain alert about potential ignition sources as wildfire season starts earlier and extends later each year.
