WestJet Flight Evacuated After Small Engine Fire at YVR

A WestJet flight experienced a small engine fire shortly after landing at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on July 12, 2025. The incident occurred just before 23:00 local time, when flight 1285, arriving from Tampa International Airport, was parked at the gate.

Emergency crews at YVR responded swiftly to the situation. Fortunately, the aircraft’s onboard systems had already extinguished the fire before their arrival. According to airport staff, “There were no injuries and there are no impacts to other flights or YVR operations.” Staff members worked diligently to assist passengers in reuniting with their luggage and offered additional support on-site.

WestJet confirmed on the morning of July 13 that the fire originated in the tailpipe of one of the engines after it had shut down. The flight crew utilized emergency slides to evacuate approximately 50 passengers still onboard as a precautionary measure. “No injuries have been reported, and the aircraft has been removed from service for maintenance,” the airline stated.

Investigation Underway by Transportation Safety Board

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has dispatched a team of investigators to evaluate the incident. The TSB is an independent agency responsible for investigating a range of transportation incidents across Canada, including those involving air, marine, pipeline, and rail sectors. Its primary objective is to enhance transportation safety without assigning blame or liability.

In a statement, the TSB confirmed, “#TSBAir deployed a team to investigate an aircraft incident that occurred late Saturday night at Vancouver International Airport, #BC. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.”

Daily Hive has contacted the TSB for further details regarding the investigation. As the situation develops, passengers and the aviation community remain focused on understanding the factors that led to the incident and ensuring safety measures are reviewed.

Overall, the swift response from both the flight crew and emergency services ensured the safety of all passengers involved. The aircraft will undergo thorough maintenance checks to prevent any future occurrences, reaffirming WestJet’s commitment to operational safety.