Smoke continues to pour out from a wildfire growing near Cameron Lake, which forced closure of Hwy. 4 on Tuesday morning. (submitted photo)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

wildfire issues

UPDATE: Intermittent closures expected along Hwy. 4 near Cameron Lake due to growing wildfire

Jun 6, 2023 | 10:44 AM

NANAIMO — Wind has helped spur substantial growth to the Cameron Bluffs wildfire in the hills above Cameron Lake.

Discovered Sunday, June 4, the suspected human-caused fire has grown to an estimated 109 hectares as of midday on Tuesday, June 6 with considerable smoke and flame visible.

“Crews are working on this incident and helicopters are bucketing inaccessible areas,” an update from the BC Wildfire Service read. “Airtankers and skimmers are also supporting. No structures are currently threatened.”

Fire operations forced a brief closure of Hwy. 4 near Cameron Lake late Tuesday morning, however it was re-opened after about 45 minutes. The BC Wildfire Service advises travel may be affected “intermittently”, with single lane alternating traffic established through the fire zone early Tuesday afternoon.

🚧UPDATE – #BCHwy4 – Single lane alternating traffic is now in effect due to the Cameron Bluffs Fire – V70600.

No stopping on the highway to view the fire.

Watch for and obey traffic control personnel. 🦺

ℹ️https://t.co/f7NFXFjBay#PortAlberni #VanIsle pic.twitter.com/3Pk4TqxT6F

— DriveBC (@DriveBC) June 6, 2023

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Bombers drop fire retardant around the fire near Cameron Lake on central Vancouver Island during firefighting operations on Monday, June 5. (Kevin Miller)

High winds are forecast to persist through much of Tuesday and no substantial rainfall is expected in the near future to aid crews.

According to the Coastal Fire Centre, crews worked on direct attacks overnight in areas not otherwise protected by natural barriers.

Three helicopters are bucketing in areas not accessible for ground crews, while larger aircraft are conducting water or retardant bombing runs around the scene.

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