Crews are gaining traction on a seven hectare fire burning southwest of Chemainus thanks to cooler weather and lighter winds. (Coastal Fire Centre)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

wildfire

Holyoak Creek fire out of control, grows to 32 hectares in less than 2 days

Aug 6, 2021 | 9:56 AM

NANAIMO — The BC Wildfire Service says the Holyoak Creek fire burning in Chemainus River Provincial Park has grown to 32 hectares.

A notice from the service late afternoon on Friday, Aug. 6 said firefighter crews were challenged by rising winds and couldn’t attack the fire from all sides. It’s now the largest fire on Vancouver Island so far this fire season.

The winds had died down earlier in the day but steadily rose through the day.

PREVIOUSLY: High winds throughout the forests along the Chemainus River escalated a wildfire overnight.

Dorthe Jakobsen, fire information officer with the Coastal Fire Centre, told NanaimoNewsNOW the Holyoak Creek fire was reported late Thursday, Aug. 5 and grew to seven hectares.

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“When crews got there last night it was a vigorous surface fire due to the heavy winds we had for a short period of time last night.”

The fire is considered out of control with 12 firefighters, aircraft and water tenders working to suppress it.

Jakobsen said thankfully the weather is working in their favour.

“Because the winds are calm this morning and it’s cooler with clouds in the area, it’s calmed down and it’s now a rank 1 fire, as opposed to rank 2 to 3 last night when the winds were kicking it up.”

The Holyoak Creek Fire, southwest of Chemainus is burning out of control after sparking Thursday night. (Google Earth)

It’s the second largest wildfire on Vancouver Island this year, behind the Matchlee Bay fire in northern Vancouver Island in April.

The Coastal Fire Centre has handled an above-average number of wildfires so far this season, seeing roughly 170 when it would normally handle around 100 by this point in the year.

The fire danger rating across Vancouver Island is listed as extreme and many fire prohibitions are in place.

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