A new wildfire has been discovered along the Alberni Highway and it has been growing rapidly since its discovery.
The blaze has been dubbed the Wesley Ridge wildfire by the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), and has now grown to around 20 hectares in size, making it the largest wildfire on Vancouver Island.
The fire is located approximately halfway between Parksville and Port Alberni and is currently deemed as out of control.
BCWS says that the wildfire is on the opposite side of the lake from Highway 4, on the north side of Cameron Lake and it was detected just after midnight on July 31st.
“Fire is burning aggressively and is in difficult to access terrain,” said the BCWS in a response update.
“In collaboration with local government BCWS is recommending evac orders and alerts based on ease of access for crews and structural protection equipment as well as egress for public.”
They added that there is no imminent threat to valuables or personal properties and that the Coombs and Dashwood fire departments are helping BCWS with their response.
Additionally, BCWS warns travelers on Highway 4 to be mindful, as crews and aircraft are working in the area. They recommend proceeding with caution through the area and stay focused on the road and don’t stop the flow of traffic.
According to DriveBC, the highway will continue to remain open through the wildfire response.
The DriveBC warning advises motorists in the area to watch for fire crews working in the area, as well as possible reduced visibility due to smoke.
There are currently five other active wildfires on Vancouver Island. All other wildfires have been deemed either ‘under control’ or ‘being held’ by BCWS.
