Flames sparked late Sunday evening along Nanaimo Lakes Rd., the third wildfire in the area this summer. (BC Wildfire Service)

By Alex Rawnsley

MASON creek fire

UPDATE: New wildfire southwest of Nanaimo ‘being held’ less than 24 hours after start

Aug 25, 2025 | 5:57 AM

UPDATE: As of 12:19 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 25, the Mason Creek wildfire is now considered ‘being held’ at 8.6 hectares in size.

EARLIER: NANAIMO — Quick response has seen crews gain the upper hand on a wildfire start south of the city.

The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) was alerted to a fire along Nanaimo Lakes Rd., west of S Forks Rd., before 9 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 24, with provincial crews joined by local volunteer firefighters.

Growing to an estimated eight hectares in size, the Mason Creek is classified as burning ‘out of control’, according to information officer Kimberly Kelly.

“The incident was actioned by two initial attack crews and heavy equipment. With this support crews were able to create a Fire Guard surrounding most of the perimeter [Sunday] night, and these efforts will be continued throughout the day.

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The approximate location of the Boulder Creek fire, southwest of Nanaimo. (BC Wildfire Service)

Twenty-five firefighting personnel are on scene on Monday, aided by heavy equipment and air support as needed.

Kelly said there is no immediate threat from the fire to any homes or infrastructure in the region.

“The good thing about this fire in Mason creek is that it has road access, and so we’re able to get crews and heavy equipment to it quickly, action it overnight, and continue to draw in resources as necessary.”

BCWS has mapped the start around five and a half kilometres due west of Extension and nearly seven kilometres from the Nanaimo Parkway by Harewood.

Flames were clearly visible from areas south of Nanaimo on Sunday night.

Weather across the region is expected to be hot and dry over the coming days, with forecasted highs over 30 degrees Celsius on Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 26, cooling slightly into the mid-to-high 20s by the weekend.

“We have seen some activity in this area. We do have this warming drying condition, which is very unique for late August, after a period of extended drought in the summer, so our fuels are very susceptible to ignition and spread,” Kelly added.

A new wildfire start on the south side of Blackjack Ridge, behind Mt. Benson, was reported Sunday evening. (submitted photo)

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