A wildfire just outside of Sayward hasn't grown in size over the last 24 hours, as crews make significant progress. This photo, taken on Tuesday, May 30, shows the large smoke plume extending from the site. (BC Wildfire Service)

By Alex Rawnsley

clearer skies

Crews continue battle against Sayward fire as smoke eases across central Island

May 31, 2023 | 12:20 PM

NANAIMO — The skies look a little bluer across the region Wednesday and the outlook a little greener for residents of northern Vancouver Island.

Crews from the BC Wildfire Service continue to battle a 160-hectare fire just outside the community of Sayward, however ground has been gained in the last 24 hours.

Julia Caranci, information officer with the Coastal Fire Centre, said the situation still remains out of control however cooler temperatures, more humidity and a change in terrain for the fire are all helping.

“The fire was initially burning in slash, which is a very receptive fuel and we did have some windy conditions so those are the reasons we saw that growth early on in the fire. However, fire behaviour is lower when it reaches the timber, so as the deeper fuels contain a bit more moisture we are seeing that fire behaviour begin to reduce.”

Around 60 personnel are on the ground, with four helicopters and a water tender also on scene.

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Focus for crews is containment and ensuring the fire does not spread any further, by using a combination of created fuel breaks and natural barriers.

The situation is believed to be human-caused, however the exact source remains under investigation.

Caranci said it’s possible the size of the fire could change Wednesday, as a result of spotter planes surveying the site and improving earlier estimates.

It would represent a data-only change and not necessarily reflect growth on the ground.

Residents in the nearby community of Sayward continue to watch the flames and be blanketed by smoke.

Mayor Mark Baker said all things considered, the community of “very fortunate”.

“The concern in the village is much better [Wednesday] than it was on Monday, that the fire decided to stay away from our only access out of town on our one road. At this point there’s been no homes that have been affected or we anticipate are going to be affected.”

He praised communication with various agencies involved in the response, including the BC Wildfire Service, RCMP, BC Ambulance, Search and Rescue and more.

“It’s been a really well organized [response], there’s been regular updates and Zoom meetings with BC Wildfire, they reacted extremely quickly to the fire and I think that’s what has been the key here. There’s consistent helicopter drops with water, on Monday they had the bombers out here dropping retardant.”

He added the situation has galvanized the community and the notion of neighbours helping neighbours has been very apparent.

“You look at our community, immediately there’s people on Facebook saying ‘the firefighters, or any of the volunteers need anything, we’ll deliver food’, Crossroads restaurant and pub have been feeding the firefighters for free, the community has really come together.”

Local health officials continue to check on people with known respiratory issues to ensure they’re ok with the increased smoke.

Across the central Island, smoke still remains but at less concentration than on Tuesday, May 30.

Air quality readings taken in Nanaimo at 11 a.m. on Wednesday were listed at a two, or low, on the province’s scale.

A similar reading was taken in the Comox Valley, however, unlike Nanaimo, their air quality forecast is calling for moderately poor air quality in the next 24 to 48 hours.

Environment Canada’s special air quality statement ended just before noon on Wednesday, which had been advising of the increased smoke across the region.

— with files from Jon de Roo, 97.3 The Eagle

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