Firefighters managing a wildfire on Vancouver Island report minimal growth overnight and anticipate cooler weather aiding firefighting efforts. The Wesley Ridge fire, covering 511 hectares, remains stable with cooler conditions being utilized strategically. Despite expected rainfall, a significant drought persists in the area.
Discovered last Thursday near Cameron Lake, 50 kilometers northwest of Nanaimo, the fire posed as a ground challenge for firefighters overnight. Evacuation alerts affecting 15 properties were expanded by the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN), with an existing alert covering 235 properties. An evacuation order remains in place for 387 properties, with over 500 evacuees receiving support from emergency services.
While damage assessment is pending, no residential losses have been reported. Efforts to ensure safe conditions for residents to return home involve close coordination between BC Wildfire Service and the regional district. A team of 204 firefighting personnel, including various specialized units, is actively engaged, with additional support from multiple fire departments and helicopters.
Despite rain in the forecast, dry conditions persist, as highlighted by a fire behavior analyst mentioning evidence of a significant drought. The build-up index of burnable fuels exceeds normal levels, indicating heightened fire risk. Urgent rainfall is necessary to dampen the dry grounds and mitigate fire spread.
Authorities emphasize the need for space for aircraft to collect water safely to combat the fire effectively. The fire’s impact includes poor air quality and reduced visibility in the central east of Vancouver Island. Suspected to be human-caused, the Wesley Ridge fire serves as a reminder of the ongoing wildfire threat in British Columbia.
The BC Wildfire Service foresees cooler temperatures and scattered showers benefiting firefighting efforts across the province in the coming days. Despite the weather aiding response efforts, the potential for new lightning-induced fires looms due to recent thunderstorm activity. Over 130 wildfires are currently active in British Columbia, with ongoing monitoring and response efforts in place.