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A small wildfire north of Duncan smolders with smoke billowing near Mt. Prevost, which is being attacked on the ground and from the air. (Image Credit: BC Wildfire Service)
wildfire start

Wildfire sparked north of Duncan, minimal growth overnight

Jul 7, 2026 | 12:06 PM

NORTH COWICHAN — A wildfire sparked north of Duncan on Monday remains burning out of control, but growth was slow overnight.

The fire is located near Mt. Prevost, about three kilometres north of Duncan, is 2.23 hectares in size as of noon on Tuesday, July 7.

Coastal Fire Centre information officer Christi Howes said the fire grew from two hectares when it was first discovered on Monday around 3:30 p.m.

“It’s in the South Island zone…and suspected human-caused. There’s no threat or risk to structures on this fire, and it’s burning at a rank one.”

Rank one is considered a smouldering ground fire, with no open flame, white smoke, and a slow rate of fire spread.

Wildfire V60767 north of Duncan was displaying low, level one fire conditions as of Tuesday morning.
Wildfire V60767 north of Duncan was displaying low, level one fire conditions as of Tuesday morning. (Image Credit: BC Wildfire Service)

Howes said three initial attack crews are on site, as well as a resource officer and a helicopter.

She said while Tuesday is expected to be as hot and dry as Monday, the short-term forecast is expected to be a bit below seasonal temperatures until mid-month, with no prolonged heat event expected anytime soon.

Larger category two and three fires are still banned in the Coastal Fire Centre, while small campfires are still permitted, within certain parameters.

“While campfires are currently permitted within the centre’s jurisdiction at this time, we do encourage people to check their local conditions,” said Howes. “Use caution when engaged in any activities that could potentially cause a wildfire, and ensure that you check with your local authorities as far as what sort of restrictions they may have.”

More information on current fire prohibitions and restrictions can be found here.

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