The wildfire on Green Mountain was sparked by lightning on Friday July 31. (B.C. Wildfire Service photo)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

COOLING OFF

Cooler weather helping crews battle wildfire on Green Mountain

Aug 2, 2020 | 12:21 PM

NANAIMO — Crews are continuing to battle the wildfire on Green Mountain, about 45 kilometers southwest of Nanaimo.

Lightning sparked the blaze on Friday, July 31 and the fire spread significantly since Saturday from nine to 15 hectares.

However Coastal Fire Centre Fire Information officer Dorthe Jakobsen told NanaimoNewsNOW the crews are making progress on the blaze.

“There was some containment on the west side of the fire and the forecast today is cloudy and cool which is very helpful because it keeps the heat down,” Jakobsen said.

The crew battling the fire includes 45 fire fighters from the mid-island and four helicopters.

fiery scene

Parksville man killed in late night crash along Hwy. 4

7h ago

fire safety

'Install, test, replace:' smoke alarm safety top of mind for Nanaimo firefighters

15h ago

Island Intensity

Clippers lose hard fought battle 3-2 to Grizzlies

22h ago

“We’re using a lot of aerial support on this one because it is a mountain top in a remote area and difficult to access,” Jakobsen said.

A second small fire has started in the area. It’s currently at 0.1 hectare in size. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.

“It could have been another lightning strike and it was just smouldering and it kicked up enough for us to notice it or it could have been ambers from the first fire,” Jakobsen said.

The fires are currently two of the 48 active wildfires burning in the province.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @NanaimoNewsNOW

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @NanaimoNewsNOW