Despite a sharp increase in size, officials say firefighting efforts on the Wesley Ridge wildfire near Cameron Lake are progressing as planned, with crews making important gains over the weekend.
As of Sunday night, the wildfire was estimated at 494 hectares. Although this marks significant growth, BC Wildfire Service says the expansion was anticipated, and conditions on the ground have allowed responders to stay ahead of the flames in key areas.
Visibility across the fire zone remains limited due to thick smoke, meaning current perimeter measurements may still shift as aerial tracking improves.
The blaze, discovered on July 31st, is believed to be human-caused.
On Saturday, August 3rd, fire crews focused their efforts on safeguarding properties and infrastructure around Little Qualicum River Village and the north side of Cameron Lake. Structural protection units from multiple Vancouver Island fire departments remain in place, defending homes in wildland-urban interface zones.
“Today’s operations were highly focused and coordinated,” BC Wildfire said in a video update posted Sunday evening. “We’re grateful for the inter-agency cooperation and support.”
Crews used a mix of direct attack methods and heavy equipment to build containment lines along the southeastern flank of the fire. Meanwhile, helicopters and skimmers dropped water throughout the day to cool hotspots and support containment efforts in difficult terrain.
Fire activity remained mostly Rank 2 and Rank 3 — low to moderately vigorous surface fire — allowing ground teams to advance control lines and establish safer conditions for overnight operations.
Fallers and danger-tree assessors are working to make the area safer for responders, especially in steep terrain near the lake’s edge, where timber and dense forest fuels pose a challenge.
Seven helicopters, several land-based air tankers, and seven pieces of heavy equipment are supporting the operation, alongside 67 BC Wildfire personnel. Additional support is being provided by the Coombs and Dashwood fire departments.
Cameron Lake remains closed to all recreational watercraft to allow for safe skimming and bucketing operations. Horne Lake is also being used by aircraft, and officials are urging boaters to steer well clear of any firefighting activity on the water.
Officials are reminding the public that drones are strictly prohibited near wildfires, as they pose a serious risk to low-flying aircraft. “Anyone caught flying a drone near an active wildfire could face significant fines and penalties,” the BC Wildfire Service warns.
Meanwhile, Highway 4 remains open, but traffic-control personnel are stationed at key points to manage the flow in case conditions change rapidly. Drivers between Parksville and Port Alberni are being told not to stop along the route and to be prepared for delays.
Smoke from the Wesley Ridge fire, combined with drifting smoke from wildfires in Washington State, is expected to move southward across Vancouver Island throughout the day.
As the fire continues to burn on steep slopes above Cameron Lake, officials are reminding residents and travellers to stay informed and prepared. Evacuation alerts and orders remain in place for impacted areas.
Despite the challenging terrain and smoky conditions, BC Wildfire Service says they are encouraged by what has been accomplished so far.
“We’ve made good progress today,” the update concluded. “There’s still work ahead, but we’re holding strong.”
