A fire near the Richmond Nature Park is causing traffic delays and affecting air quality. 

Richmond RCMP say crews have blocked Westminster Highway between Shell Road and No. 4 Road in order to access the fire. Drivers are being asked to avoid the area, which is near the intersection of highways 91 and 99. 

The fire is on federal government land not far from the 39th Service Battalion, about 300 metres from the highway.

The City of Richmond said in a tweet that the fire will require a lot of water and soaking and the highway has been shut down to accommodate the water hoses.

Vancouver Fire and Rescue also noted smoke has been drifting from the fire into southern neighbourhoods of the city, but say there is no risk to the public, just a noticeable smell.