BC Wildfire Service crews work in scene at a small fire near Whisky Lake in Extension. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

whisky lake

VIDEO: Quick action prevents further growth of small wildfire south of Extension

Jun 23, 2023 | 9:43 PM

NANAIMO — The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) quickly doused a small wildfire near Whisky Lake, south of Extension.

The fire was reported on Friday, June 23 shortly before 5:30 p.m., according to the BCWS, is located immediately behind the Extension Fire Department hall on Bramley Rd. and was 0.8 hectares as of Friday night at 9:00 p.m. By 11 p.m., the fire was listed as “being held” by the wildfire service with no further growth expected.

“There are a total of 25 personnel responding to the incident from BCWS, Industry, and Fire Department,” Jade Richardson, information officer with the Coastal Fire Centre, said. “There were two helicopters responding to the incident, and one remains on scene at this time.”

A BCWS helicopter drops buckets of water on the Whisky Lake wildfire Friday evening. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

“We are comfortable that with the resources on site and the current fire behaviour that this fire will be contained before it poses a risk to nearby communities.”

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Richardson told NanaimoNewsNOW they are planning to provide further updates Saturday morning before 9:00 a.m.

The sentiment from BCWS was echoed by Chief Kevin Young from the Extension Fire Department.

In an update posted to social media around 9:30 p.m., he said they have a good handle on the situation.

“The fire is almost completely extinguished. Our members and Ministry of Forestry personnel are currently mopping up hot spots. Coastal Fire and Mosaic personnel will be on scene overnight,” Young said.

Smoke was visible in the area and prevailing winds helped it drift north towards Nanaimo.

Area residents answered calls for help with heavy machinery such as Bobcats and excavators, to create a better road access for wildfire crews while more local help is on standby.

A wildfire south of Extension was reported into the BCWS at 5:24 p.m on Friday, June 23. (BC Wildfire Service)

(Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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