A helicopter drops water from nearby Cameron Lake on a wildfire start on Sunday, June 4. (Mark Ferguson)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

fire smart

New wildfires on central Vancouver Island ignited during bone-dry weekend

Jun 5, 2023 | 11:30 AM

NANAIMO — Ever-drying conditions are creating ideal terrain for fire starts locally and across Vancouver Island.

Smoke was seen billowing from a steep embankment just south of Cameron Lake on Sunday, June 4, prompting a quick response from BC Wildfire Service personnel.

Kimberly Kelly from the Coastal Fire Centre said helicopters were on scene Sunday afternoon attacking the fire from the air. She added overnight and early morning growth of the fire was due to high winds.

“The crews were working on actioning the fire overnight. There are three initial attack crews [four people each] and two helicopters supporting the attack,” Kelly told NanaimoNewsNOW.

As of the morning of Monday, June 5, the fire is listed as out of control.

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“We have incoming resources being staffed based on fire behaviour,” Kelly added. “Some of the fire is burning into steep slopes so we are developing strategies and tactics for this area. Highway traffic is not expected to be impacted but any drivers in the area should know that fire operations are occurring.”

There is no immediate risk to people or property at this time.

On Monday afternoon the Regional District of Nanaimo announced the closure of the CPR Regional Trail due to the fire in the Cameron Lake bluffs area.

Meanwhile, a small spot fire was quickly handled around seven kilometres west of Nanaimo Airport.

The scene, located off Spruston Rd. didn’t amount to much.

Kelly said two attack crews, eight firefighters in total, were on scene alongside Cranberry Volunteer Fire Department resources.

The fire is listed as human caused from a campsite.

The Island’s largest fire, the 208 hectare Newcastle Creek fire near Sayward continues to be held by crews.

The scene saw little to no growth over the weekend with a solid perimeter established.

“The fire crews that are on scene are meeting their objectives and are not anticipating any problems,” Kelly said. “They will continue to action the fire on accessible flanks with the help of natural barriers.”

BC Wildfire Service lists the mid-Island region’s fire danger threat between high to extreme.

While a campfire ban is not currently in effect, one could be coming.

Kelly said forecasters and BC Wildfire Service staff continue to watch a variety of data points, and once the data meets a certain threshold, further fire bans will come into place.

If you see a wildfire or smoke, you’re asked to contact the BC Wildfire Service at 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 from your cell phone.

Further information on active wildfires in B.C. can be accessed on the BC Wildfire Service website.

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