WEDNESDAY JULY 22, 2015
ON THE PODIUM
Abbotsford’s Alison Jackson finishes second at Tour de White Rock criterium A22
ABBOTSFORD • MISSION
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‘Extreme’ fire risk Danger of blaze leads to closure of Sumas Mountain park
TRAINS MAY RETURN
Alex BUTLER Abbotsford News
The “extreme” hazard posed by the tinder-dry conditions has led to the closure of Sumas Mountain Interregional Park. The increasing possibility that a simple spark or a carelessly thrown cigarette butt could start a wildfire prompted a public meeting last Thursday at which dozens of Sumas Mountain residents discussed the need to close the park in order to prevent a human-caused fire in the nearby forest. Two days later, officials closed the gate to the park. Abbotsford assistant fire chief Jeff Adams told The News that a fire could easily be started by a cigarette or the spark from an ATV on Sumas Mountain. He added that the feedback has been good, as most people understand the reasoning behind limiting public access. Due to the lack of accessibility to the area, fighting a fire so high on Sumas Mountain would be very challenging for crews, said Adams. “It’s so tinder-dry on that southern face, a wildfire would just take off up the mountain so quickly.” The park is co-managed by Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD). The western and southern park flanks are within the City of Abbotsford where Metro Vancouver provides regional park services. The eastern portions of Sumas Mountain Interregional Park, including Chadsey Lake, are managed by the FVRD. The area also contains Crown land, which is where the lower gate is located at the start of the forest service road. The gate is managed by the City of Abbotsford under permit authorization from the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, according to the ministry. Regional park staff will be patrolling the park to inform members of the public of the fire risk. In Mission, access to the western area of Stave Lake has already been limited, with the road blocked between 10
A5 Potential for increase in trains through Abbotsford as rail company seeks deal
TARGETED SHOOTING
4-wheel drive Cruise In
A3 Occupant of home hit by bullets refuses to co-operate with police
FROM FORUM TO PROTEST A13 Visit from controversial Indian government minister leads to a public protest
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Chilliwack’s Troy Black (top photo) brought his 350 cubic inch Suzuki Grand Vitari mud racer – named Grand Viagra – to the 20th annual Coastal Cruiser and Four Wheel Drive Association of BC Show and Shine at Mission’s Fraser River Heritage Park on Saturday. More than 160 vehicles, including some modified jeeps (bottom photo), registered for the event. Food, raffles and a kids’ scavenger hunt were also featured at the familyoriented event.
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Bob Friesen Mission Record
Continued on A3
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