A massive human-caused wildfire near Cameron Lake on Vancouver Island continues to escalate, with evacuation orders expanding Friday night as crews work around the clock to contain the growing blaze.
Dubbed the Wesley Ridge wildfire, the fire was first discovered on July 31st and has since grown to an estimated 125 hectares—though BC Wildfire Service warns that number could climb significantly once smoke clears and allows for a full perimeter reassessment.
The fire, located on the north side of Cameron Lake, opposite Highway 4, is not currently impacting the highway. However, BC Wildfire is urging drivers to proceed with caution and stay focused on the road as crews are active in the area.
For live traffic updates, travellers are advised to visit DriveBC.
Current live view of Highway 4, about 9 km east of Port Alberni, looking west:
As of the latest update provided on August 2nd at 7:56 a.m., more than 60 firefighting personnel are on the ground battling the blaze, with support from five helicopters, skimmers, air tankers, and heavy equipment.
A BC Wildfire Incident Management Team is en route and expected to assume command of the response over the weekend.
Accoridng to BC Wildfire Services, challenging conditions, including gusty winds and heavy smoke, intensified firefighting efforts throughout Friday.
The fire’s northeast flank spread aggressively toward Little Qualicum River Village, prompting evacuation orders and alerts for surrounding areas by the Regional District of Nanaimo.
A full list of current evacuation notices are available online.
Crews worked through the night with 24-hour operations now in effect, and structure protection teams from multiple Vancouver Island fire departments—including Coombs and Dashwood—are actively working to protect homes and buildings near the fire zone.
In total, 76 personnel are assigned to this incident, focusing both on suppressing the wildfire and defending urban-interface areas at risk.
BC Wildfire says the fire’s size is based on the most current information available, but visibility continues to be an issue.
“The fire is currently assessed at 125 hectares; however, it’s expected to be larger once smoke allows a better view of the perimeter,” the agency noted in its latest briefing.
