BC Wildfire Service crews have been kept busy across Vancouver Island following lightning storms through August. (BC Wildfire Service)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

forest fires

North Island wildfires keeping Coastal crews busy

Aug 24, 2022 | 4:34 PM

NANAIMO — It’s largely a wait and see approach from the BC Wildfire Service in its approach to tackling a pair of wildfires on the sparsely populated north Island.

While the 40 hectare Golden Hinde fire in Strathcona Provincial Park and the 25 hectare Nimpkish River fire east of Tahsis are burning out of control, they are under what the BC Wildfire Services calls a ‘modified response’

It means a combination of techniques are being used to either monitor or actively douse the flames, with Coastal Fire Centre information officer Christi Howes saying they’ve closely watched the fires since recent lightning strikes.

“Once a fire has been classified as modified response, a fire analysis is completed which identified trigger points which if reached, prompt a reassessment.”

Howes noted the Golden Hinde fire is in difficult to access terrain with extremely steep cliffs and has seen some recent growth.

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Started a week later, the Nimpkish River fire continues to challenge the 35 crew on scene, along with helicopters, heavy equipment and aircraft working the scene.

“We’re using full suppression fire tactics on three-quarters of it where there is workable ground and other areas that remain inaccessible are being monitored by helicopter for increased fire behaviour.”

Structures are not being threatened in either fire zone.

The burns are being made easier by tinder-dry conditions throughout most of Vancouver Island with a high to extreme fire danger rating across most of the region.

A handful of other, smaller fires dot through the spine of Vancouver Island, including one sparked Wednesday, Aug. 24 near Taylor Forest Service Rd., midway between Port Alberni and Tofino.

The cause of ignition is not known.

The fire situation on Vancouver Island, as of Wednesday, Aug. 24. (BC Wildfire Service)

–with files from Jon de Roo, 97.3 The Eagle

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