An update on August 5, 2025, reveals a new evacuation alert for the Wesley Ridge wildfire on Vancouver Island. The wildfire, first spotted on Thursday, has now expanded to 511 hectares. Situated on the northern shores of Cameron Lake, approximately 50 kilometers northwest of Nanaimo, B.C., the Wesley Ridge fire remains uncontained.
The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) reported minimal growth overnight, as mentioned by BCWS fire information officer Madison Dahl during a press briefing on Monday. Currently, an evacuation order is in place for 387 residences in the affected area, mandating immediate evacuation. Additionally, 235 properties are under evacuation alert, requiring residents to be prepared for swift evacuation if necessary.
Christina Crabtree, the emergency operations center director for the Regional District of Nanaimo, confirmed at the press conference that no structures have been reported lost thus far. The firefighting efforts involve 164 personnel, comprising ground firefighters and over 80 structure protection specialists and teams, supported by eight helicopters. Multiple fire departments, including those from Dashwood and Coombs, are actively engaged in response operations.
Due to smoky conditions, visibility in the area is restricted, and the BCWS plans to provide updates on the fire’s size as circumstances permit. Although Highway 4 remains open, the B.C. Ministry of Transportation advises travelers between Parksville and Port Alberni to be cautious of potential sudden changes that may lead to delays. Traffic personnel are on standby to manage any necessary alterations to traffic flow as the BC Wildfire Service combats the Wesley Creek blaze.
The Wesley Ridge fire is suspected to be human-caused, a common categorization for wildfires not ignited by lightning. Across the province, there are currently 138 active wildfires being monitored by the BCWS.
Community members have rallied to support one another during this crisis. Joanne Trofanenko, a resident of Courtenay, B.C., offered assistance via a Comox Valley Facebook group to connect evacuees with essential services such as shelter, transportation, and pet boarding. Trofanenko stated that nearly 200 people in the Comox Valley have volunteered to help, showcasing the community’s solidarity in times of need.
Ari Buttenham from Coombs, B.C., has been providing free towing services to assist community members in safeguarding their belongings. Buttenham emphasized the strong community spirit, expressing gratitude for the collective effort to protect each other’s assets during this challenging period.