Firefighters on Vancouver Island are making steady progress in containing the Wesley Ridge wildfire, which has shown minimal growth overnight. The blaze, burning on the north side of Cameron Lake, remains at 511 hectares in size.
According to fire information officer Madison Dahl, the calm weather and lower temperatures are helping crews on the ground. She said they are using these improved conditions to act directly against the fire.
Dahl noted that firefighters encountered mostly smouldering ground fire without visible flames during the night shift. There is hope that light rain may fall soon, but officials warn that the region is still facing a serious drought.
The fire was first reported last Thursday and is located about 50 kilometres northwest of Nanaimo, British Columbia. Since then, hundreds of firefighters and emergency workers have been involved in the response.
As of Tuesday afternoon, there are 204 personnel on-site. This includes wildfire crews, tree fallers, and teams focused on protecting structures. Their combined efforts have helped to prevent the fire from spreading further.
Evacuation measures remain in place for many residents in the area. On Monday, the Regional District of Nanaimo expanded an evacuation alert to cover 15 more properties. This alert adds to a previous one that already included 235 properties.
These alerts advise people to be ready to leave their homes with little notice. In addition to this, 387 properties are currently under an evacuation order. This means the residents have been required to leave for their safety.
Douglas Holmes, the chief administrative officer for the Regional District of Nanaimo, said more than 500 people have received help through provincial emergency support services. This support is offered both online and in person.
While officials have not been able to carry out a full damage assessment, Holmes confirmed that there have been no reports of any homes destroyed by the fire so far. Emergency crews are working with the wildfire service to make sure it is safe before allowing residents to return.
The response continues to be a joint effort between the BC Wildfire Service and local authorities. They are monitoring the fire closely and adjusting their strategies based on daily weather and fire behaviour.
Cooler temperatures are expected to continue for the next few days, which should help crews gain better control. However, fire officials are urging residents to stay alert and follow evacuation instructions if conditions change.
With more than 200 people on the ground and emergency plans in place, efforts are focused on stopping the fire from spreading and protecting the surrounding communities. The public is also being asked to stay away from affected areas to avoid getting in the way of firefighting efforts.
The wildfire is a strong reminder of how dry the summer season has been across British Columbia. Even with light rain expected, the region’s ongoing drought means conditions could shift quickly.
Fire crews are working long hours to keep the blaze under control. They are using every tool available, including helicopters, ground teams, and heavy equipment, to limit the fire’s reach.
While the fire is not growing rapidly at the moment, the situation could still change if weather patterns shift. Authorities are keeping a close eye on the forecast and will issue further alerts if needed.
Residents are encouraged to check the latest updates through official channels and follow directions from emergency services. Keeping emergency kits ready and having a plan in place remains essential for those living in high-risk areas.
