Wildfire north of Nanaimo, BC explained under control
The last group of evacuees who were forced from their homes on Vancouver Island due to a wildfire north of Nanaimo have been able to return home over the weekend after crews successfully gained control of the fire. The BC Wildfire Service announced on Saturday that significant progress had been made in containing the Wesley Ridge Blaze burning near Cameron Lake.
Firefighters are still in the area patrolling and extinguishing hotspots, with nearby communities likely to see smoke for weeks to come. At one point, hundreds of residents were evacuated from their homes when the fire was first detected on July 31. The regional district of Nanaimo confirmed that all residents could return home after evacuation orders for 35 properties and evacuation warnings for 268 properties were lifted.
The fire burned nearly six square kilometers of land and has since been contained. In other wildfire news, the Boltres Creek Wildfire near Vernon, BC, has prompted the activation of the local emergency operation center. The wildfire, located about eight kilometers south of Vernon near Highway 97, is currently 0.4 square kilometers in size. Crews, including 17 firefighters, three helicopters, and air tankers, are working to contain the fire, which is believed to have been caused by human activity.
Meanwhile, the Mount Underwood Wildfire near Port Alberni, BC, has grown to over 36 square kilometers. Recent rainfall has helped to calm the fire, with 35 millimeters of rain falling on the area since last Thursday. Firefighters are now able to access previously high-risk areas more safely due to the improved weather conditions.
The BC Wildfire Service reports that 144 wildfires and 20 pieces of heavy equipment are currently assigned to fight the flames. However, fire behavior is expected to increase as weather conditions shift from cooler to warmer and drier patterns. Smoke from the Mount Underwood Wildfire is affecting air quality in the region, prompting the opening of a Clean Air Relief Center in Port Alberni.
While the southern interior and southeastern corners of the province are expected to experience warmer and drier conditions, coastal and northern regions will remain cooler and humid. As of now, there are 75 forest fires burning in British Columbia, with four considered out of control. Residents are advised to stay informed about air quality reports and take necessary precautions to protect their health.
