The Copper Canyon fire is being held by crews, with no growth since it expanded from five to 32 hectares within 24 hours on Friday, Aug. 6. (submitted photo/BC Wildfire Service)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

FIRE CONTAINMENT

Wildfire near Chemainus ‘being held’ by crews ahead of next heat wave

Aug 10, 2021 | 11:57 AM

NANAIMO — Crews tackling a fire southwest of Chemainus appear to have gotten on top of the situation.

After three days of little to no growth, the BC Wildfire Service officially lists the Copper Canyon fire as “being held at 32 hectares in size.

The classification means no further growth is expected under current or forecasted conditions with the crews currently assigned to the site.

As of Monday, Aug. 10, 46 wildfire personnel were working the scene including 3 helicopters, water tenders and heavy equipment.

Over the weekend, a para-attack team from Fort St. John parachuted into the site to suppress it from different angles.

off the schedule

BC Ferries preemptively cancels early Saturday sailings

2h ago

firm handshake

B.C. NDP government, Greens reach 'shared priorities' agreement

4h ago

young volunteers

'Make a big difference:' Nanaimo volunteers collecting warm clothing for those in need

5h ago

A local state of emergency from the Cowichan Valley Regional District remains in place for the area surrounding the fire.

It’s the largest fire on Vancouver Island so far this season with more hot temperatures expected throughout the week.

Environment Canada issued another heat warning on Tuesday, Aug. 10 warning of temperatures between 29 and 35 degrees for day time highs, which is upwards of 12 degrees above normal for this time of year.

“A strong ridge of high pressure will start developing [Tuesday] and reach maximum strength Thursday (Aug. 12) and Friday (Aug. 13) resulting in very hot temperatures,” the warning noted.

“The duration of this heat wave is expected to last at least three days and little relief is expected at night with elevated overnight temperatures.”

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @NanaimoNewsNOW