The Coastal Fire Centre is monitoring a group of four lightning-caused wildfires in Strathcona Provincial Park to the west of Buttle Lake sparked on Aug. 6. They are being regularly monitored but not actively suppressed, and are being allowed to naturally burn unless they threaten lives or infrastructure. (BC Wildfire Service on Facebook, Aug 16, 2023)

By Jordan Davidson

keeping an eye on it

No action needed as Vancouver Island wildfires deemed not a threat

Aug 22, 2023 | 7:45 AM

NANAIMO — As wildfires rage across most of the B.C. mainland causing evacuations and damage, Vancouver Island has so far been spared in the worst wildfire season in the province’s history.

However, there are still at least 12 wildfires currently burning on the Island as of Monday, Aug. 21, and while none of them are of note or threatening lives or infrastructure, two of them are still considered out of control.

Information officer with the Coastal Fire Centre Kimberly Kelly said the most prominent ones are located in the Strathcona Provincial Park west of Buttle Lake along the Wolf River, however, they are located in high terrain and are currently not an immediate threat.

“These were five known lightning-caused wildfires, three of them are listed as under control, and the last few days when we had that weather event come through, two of the wildfires have merged, and are currently 1,577 hectares.”

A group of lightning-sparked wildfires in Strathcona Provincial Park are being monitored, but currently do not posses a threat. (BC Wildfire Service Wildfires Map)

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Smoke from the merged fire can be seen from a wide area, including Campbell River, Courtenay, Comox, and Gold River.

The other out-of-control wildfire is furthest west, closer to Mooyah Bay and east of Silverado Creek, and is 61 hectares in size as of Monday afternoon.

Kelly said they are monitoring the situation along with their partners with BC Parks, and any wildfires not deemed a threat are usually allowed to naturally burn.

She told NanaimoNewsNOW those fires could continue to burn well into the fall.

“They do not threaten any values, that’s human life and safety, property, areas with high environmental values such as a watershed or habitat for species at risk or resources values…we would take action in partnership with them if it was required, but at this point, it is a natural-caused wildfire, and naturally-caused wildfires do play a role in our ecosystem resistance and biodiversity.”

She said the Coastal Fire Centre has an excellent initial attack success record, and they are well prepared to tackle any new fire starts.

Kelly also said they rely on public tips for early detection of wildfires, an essential part of stopping any new fires before they can grow.

If you see smoke, you can report it by dialling *5555 on a cell phone, calling toll-free at 1-800-663-5555, or by downloading the free BC Wildfire Service app.

A map of all the current wildfires in B.C. can be found here on the BC Wildfire Service website.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow