Mission RCMP responds to fire aboard derelict ferry

Mission

2025-05-03 10:13 PDT

File # 2025-4950

Around 2 am on May 3, Mission RCMP were notified by the Mission Fire Rescue Service of a fire onboard the former Queen of Sidney ferry, which has been docked in the Fraser River near Chester Street for years. Police attended the area and confirmed a large plume of smoke coming from the vessel, which had an obvious impact on air quality in the area. Mission Search and Rescue was also called out, to monitor the situation from the river.

Due to the smoke still coming from the fire on the morning of May 3, the City of Mission has issued a shelter-in-place advisory to residents between Chester Street and 287 Street, south of Lougheed Highway. Residents in that area are encouraged to stay indoors, keep their doors and windows closed, and turn off ventilation systems that bring in outside air. Please monitor the City’s website for further updates.

At this time there is 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. RCMP will continue to liaise with the fire department, the Canadian Coast Guard, and other agencies, to help ensure the safety of citizens, and to try to identify a cause of the fire. At this time, police highlight the hazardous nature of the smoke, and ask the public to stay out of the area, unless sheltering in place.

Released by:

Email: mission_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: mission.rcmp-grc.gc.ca (English only)

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