The Mt. Hayes wildfire, southwest of Nanaimo Airport is 73 hectares in size, but crews are working to further contain the fire on Sunday. (submitted photo/BC Wildfire Service)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

progress

‘We’re entering the labour intensive phase:’ crews creating space around Mt. Hayes wildfire

Aug 22, 2021 | 8:51 AM

NANAIMO — Significant ground is being gained as firefighters deal with a wildfire near Nanaimo airport.

Julia Caranci, fire information officer with Coastal Fire, told NanaimoNewsNOW weather conditions have again helped crews make headway.

“We have had more favourable conditions with the weather over the last couple of days, it’s a little bit overcast [Sunday, Aug. 22], we may still have some wind to contend with this afternoon but at this time it’s going very well.”

There was no significant growth of the fire overnight, but with more accurate mapping crews have estimated the fire to have grown slightly to 73 hectares.

“The objective and goal for today is to establish 20-foot wet line around the perimeter of the fire. This is being worked on and it is going well.”

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There are 58 firefighters working Sunday, four helicopters, nine water tenders and three pieces of heavy equipment on the fire site.

“We’re entering the labour intensive phase of fighting the fire. It’s going to be about wetting things down, overturning the earth and establishing that large break around the perimeter of the fire.”

The broke out on Thursday, Aug. 19 and grew rapidly, reaching four hectares by Thursday afternoon, 20 hectares by Thursday evening and 70 hectares on Friday, Aug. 20.

“We’ve had a lot of really amazing comments and wonderful support from the public and we just really appreciate it. We want everyone to know we’re reading your messages and it’s really encouraging and gives us a really good feeling.”

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