A half dozen new fire starts occurred over the weekend, due to a lightning storm Saturday night. All were quickly actioned by Coastal Fire Centre and local fire crews. (Image Credit: BC Wildfire Service)

By Alex Rawnsley

quick response

Mid-Island lightning-linked fire starts under control

Aug 24, 2026 | 8:34 AM

NANAIMO — A handful of weekend fire starts due to an impressive lightning storm were quickly actioned by regional fire crews.

A strong storm system moved through the region Saturday, Aug. 22, bringing hundreds of lightning strikes and flashes, along with a considerable amount of rain to the Nanaimo and Oceanside areas.

Six new fires in the Nanaimo area resulted from the storm as of Monday, Aug. 24, however all were listed at the minimum of 0.009 hectares in size by the BC Wildfire Service, with one on Biggs Rd., near Brannen Lake, being held and the other five considered under control.

One out-of-control fire remains burning on the mid-Island, inland of Hwy. 1 at the midway point between Duncan and Ladysmith, with the BC Wildfire Service saying it was reported to them late Sunday night.

“Between August 21 to August 23, a storm passed through many parts of Coastal Fire Centre, bringing an increased chance of lightning-caused wildfires,” a statement from the Service read. “BC Wildfire Service is assessing affected areas for new starts and monitoring any existing incidents.”

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Lightning can result in fires being sparked even days after a storm, with heat in the ground slowly making its way to the surface.

“Residents may notice smoke becoming visible from lightning-caused fires that were ignited overnight. We encourage the public to report any signs of wildfire, including smoke, by calling 1-800-663-5555, *5555 on a cell phone, or through the BC Wildfire Service mobile app.”

Six fires are considered burning out of control on Vancouver Island, however none are threatening any communities.

All are either very small or being monitored and left to burn for ecological benefit reasons by the Coastal Fire Centre.

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by Alex Rawnsley

Mid-Island lightning-linked fire starts under control

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