Burns Bog fire in Delta 100% contained, Highway 17 reopened

A wildfire that broke out early Sunday morning in Delta's Burns Bog is now 100 per cent contained.

In an update released today, the Corporation of Delta says the Ministry of Transportation has reopened Highway 17 in both directions between Nordel Way and Highway 99.

The section of highway hadbeen closed since July 3 whenflames from the fire jumpedthe roadway. The decision was made to close the highway as a precaution, as well as to allow firefighters and first responders to access the area.

Cool, wet weather helped fire crews

Mayor Lois Jackson says the weather helped fire crews contain the blaze.

"We've had some great cooperation from Mother Nature. We're really elated. We're just all very relieved. But there's still lots of work to do," said Jackson.

The fire is still an estimated 78 hectares. Crews from the B.C. Wildfire Service are expected to continue assisting Delta Fire until the end of the week.

Cause of fire still unclear

The blaze in Burns Bog was first reported around 11:40 a.m. PT Sunday and gusting winds fuelled its growth.

Jackson said fire officials don't yet have a clear idea of what started the fire.

"It's totally under investigation at the moment and there's no conclusion. As you can appreciate, they have to look at many things."

Recovery efforts to begin

The city says the next stage will be restoring the bog. City staff has contacted Metro Vancouver's scientific advisory panel to arrange a site visit to evaluate the bog's condition.

On Monday, ElizaOlson,the founder of the Burns Bog Conservation Society said about 90 per cent of thepeat bog is expected to regenerate in the coming years, but it could take a century before the entire area recovers.

Olsonsaid the 30-square-kilometre nature reserve in Delta is believed to be the largest undeveloped urban wilderness area in North America.