Flames continue to spread at Cameron Lake, site of a large wildfire which sparked on Thursday. (BC Wildfire Service)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

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UPDATE: Wesley Ridge fire doubles in size as more evacuation orders & alerts issued

Aug 1, 2025 | 8:03 PM

NANAIMO — The number of people out of their homes has increased as a fire in the hills above Cameron Lake continues to burn.

BC Wildfire Service personnel, supported by local volunteer firefighters, continue to battle the Wesley Ridge wildfire, burning on the northern side of Cameron Lake since it was discovered Thursday, July 31.

A Saturday, Aug. 2 update from the BCWS shows the fire has now burned an estimated 245 hectares of land in the hills above Cameron Lake, threatening nearby homes in the Little Qualicum River Falls area. The BC Wildfire Service said it remains a dynamic situation.

“Fire conditions throughout [Friday] proved challenging, requiring extensive aircraft operations to hold critical flanks. In the late afternoon, the fire spread in the northeast corner, toward Little Qualicum River Village (Estates), exhibiting aggressive fire activity and driven by locally gusty winds.”

Crews remained on scene overnight, while BCWS stated “numerous fire departments from across Vancouver Island are contributing to Structure Defense task forces focused on urban-interface values protection in the area where needed.”

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Actioning the fire Saturday are more than 70 personnel, including ground and air teams.

BCWS noted smokey conditions have made it difficult to get a reliable estimate of the fire’s size.

New evacuation orders were put in place for properties in Little Qualicum River Village as a result of the growth on Friday.

Ordered from their homes Friday night were residents along Klein Ridge Rd., Wallace Wood Way, Toms Turn-Around, Paul’s Place and Warn Way.

Those residents affected are being invited to a reception area setup at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre.

Other Meadowood residents remain under evacuation alerts and must be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.

Early Saturday morning, the RDN added more properties to the evacuation alert to include areas north of the original order.

It noted local emergency services were notifying those homes directly.

Also under evacuation alert are those in Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park and the campground and day use areas.

A complete list of addresses and areas affected is available here.

Over 75 firefighting resources were assigned to the fire on Friday, including structural protection crews assigned on the northeastern flank to prevent spread toward homes.

Helicopters, air tankers and more operated in the air all day, with some remaining overnight as well.

It’s hoped cooler weather over the coming days and early morning dew will continue to aid efforts in extinguishing the fire.

Rain is in the forecast for the region on Tuesday.

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