By Dominic Abassi

UPDATE: Wildfire near Nanaimo Lakes in mop-up stage

Aug 7, 2017 | 9:22 AM

NANAIMO — The Blackjack Forest Service Rd. fire near Nanaimo Lakes has now entered the mop-up stage, the Coastal Fire Centre said.

Fire information officer Nicole Gagnon said 10 firefighters remain on scene checking for smoke and hot spots. She said it’s unclear when the fire will officially be declared out.

EARLIER (Aug. 7, 3 p.m.): The Coastal Fire Centre’s Donna MacPherson told NanaimoNewsNOW the fire near Nanaimo Lakes on Blackjack Ridge has been completely contained.

“It’s being held…What that means is crews have a control line around it they think is going to hold.”

15 firefighters, one piece of heavy machinery and a water tender are still working the scene, while the helicopter is no longer needed, MacPherson said. She said earlier estimates the fire was one-hectare in size proved to be accurate.

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MacPherson said the fire, on private forest land, won’t be declared out for some time as crews continue to monitor hot spots.

Another update on the fire is expected Tuesday morning.

EARLIER (Aug. 7, 9 a.m.): A wildfire near Nanaimo Lakes is considered out of control, as firefighters grapple with the second bush fire in the area in less than 24 hours.

Coastal Fire Centre fire information officer Donna MacPherson said the Blackjack Forest Service Rd. fire had grown to about one-hectare as of 9 a.m. Monday. It was originally listed at 0.3-hectares by the BC Wildfire Service’s online map late Sunday night.

MacPherson said the CFC has sent 10 firefighters and a helicopter to the scene. They’re being assisted by members from the Capital Regional District.

She said the fire, east of Nanaimo Lakes near Blackjack Ridge, is zero per cent contained and considered out of control.

“We responded very strongly and we’re anticipating keeping it small,” she said, adding there are no structures nearby. It’s unclear exactly what time the blaze broke out.

Another fire which started on Sunday afternoon near Extension Rd. has been turned over to forest industry personnel and is being held, MacPherson said.

“Both of these fires are human-caused. We are reminding people about how incredibly dry it is out there. We really need people to not start anymore fires.”

— With files from Kyle Ireland

dom@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @domabassi