It was an interesting day for West Vancouver firefighters Monday as they responded to two separate car fires on Highway 1.
The first car fire crews responded to was eastbound between Taylor Way and Capilano Road just before 2:30 p.m. Monday.
Once West Vancouver Fire and Rescue crews got to the scene, they were able to put out the car blaze quickly. Thankfully, two people in the Buick were able to get out safely with no injuries, said Assistant Fire Chief Jason Nesseth.
The afternoon car blaze caused delays for drivers.
✅CLEAR #BCHwy1 - The vehicle incident between Taylor Way and Capilano Road has been cleared. Expect delays due to congestion. #WestVan #NorthVan #LionsGateBridge https://t.co/cdkOyHK3nB
— DriveBC (@DriveBC) August 18, 2025
Later that day, another vehicle went up in flames.
Local firefighters responded to a second single vehicle fire just before 10 p.m. in the westbound direction of Highway 1 just east of the 15th Street exit.
Fire crews saw a Toyota engulfed in flames that spread into the brush on the side of the highway.
“Crews made a really quick knockdown and suppressed the fire,” Nesseth said. “It was a busy day for the crews for sure."
The assistant chief said the driver was able to safely get out of the car before crews came to the scene.
Suzanne Birch, spokesperson for West Vancouver Police Department, said both cars faced mechanical issues, causing the vehicles to engulf in flames.
But as police attended the second car fire, they noticed signs the driver might have been impaired. The driver failed a breathalyser test and was issued a 90-day prohibition while their vehicle was impounded for 30 days, Birch said.
"We're very grateful that no one was injured due to the driver's poor choice to get behind the wheel while drinking," Birch said.
Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
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