Helicopters are working the Wesley Ridge fire day and night, trying to cool the area and douse flames. (submitted photo/Amber Pelland)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

wesley ridge fire

Province advises of ‘potential sudden changes’ to traffic on Hwy. 4

Aug 4, 2025 | 6:04 AM

PARKSVILLE — Despite burning away from the roadway, travel issues could still result from a large wildfire.

The province is warning motorists of “potential sudden changes in operation of Hwy. 4” over the coming days due to the Wesley Ridge wildfire burning on the northern side of Cameron Lake.

Even with the highway running on the south side, the ministry of transportation and transit said traffic control personnel are being stationed at Chatsworth Rd. in Whiskey Creek, and the Port Alberni summit to potentially close or limit travel through the corridor.

“Having traffic personnel in place will allow the ministry to immediately respond if a change or interruption to the flow of traffic on the highway is needed by the BC Wildfire Service.”

Traffic along Hwy. 4 has continued, uninterrupted, throughout the entire fire operation, with crews staging on the opposite side of the lake.

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Officials have asked several times for travellers to not stop along the highway to photograph or watch the firefighting efforts, as the roadway could be a critical one for those under evacuation order in the area.

“Travellers should plan for extra time as any change to highway operation may cause delays,” the Ministry added. “Travellers are not permitted to stop along Highway 4.”

Any highway closures or changes to traffic flows will be posted on the DriveBC website.

As of Monday, Aug.4, at 7:30 a.m the Wesley Ridge wildfire is 494 hectares in size.

Nearly 150 different personnel were on scene Sunday, with the fire staffed around the clock with both day and night shifts.

Helicopters worked through the night, mainly focusing on the northeastern flank and dropping water on regular runs over the area.

Air tankers and water skimmers were also operational throughout much of the day.

The BC Wildfire Service is expected to provide a further update to the fire at 11:45 a.m. via a media briefing, which will also provide information on evacuation efforts.

Hundreds of properties are under evacuation orders or alerts, with some residents being housed at an RDN-run reception centre at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre.

No new evacuation alerts were issued on Sunday.

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