25-hectare wildfire burning south of Telegraph Cove

Fire burning in logging cut block is classed as “not under control.” Dean Stoltz has more. 

A fire burning in a logging cut block about 25 kilometres southeast of Telegraph Cove has grown to about 25 hectares in size.

The fire was discovered Tuesday and several crews have been battling the blaze.

“Yesterday we responded alongside with industry. We had an air tanker yesterday as well as four helicopters” said Fire Information Officer Nicole Gagnon. “Today we have a 20 unit firefighter crew assigned to the fire and we have three helicopters on site.”

The cause of the fire is still being investigated and as of Wednesday afternoon it is being classed as a fire that is “not under control.”

“One of the factors is, of course, the terrain. It’s steep and it’s rugged and it’s difficult to get to” added Gagnon. “The other factor is the wind that’s in the area. It is contributing to the growth.”

The smoke from the fire and the massive fires burning in the Interior are causing smoky conditions across most of Vancouver Island but we can expect some relief this weekend.

“Friday we’re going to see a shift in the flow of wind. It’s’ going to go inland and it’ll carry some of the smoke out with it. And we’ll see some cooler temperatures and possible showers over the weekend of the coastal region.” said Gagnon.

The rain that is coming this weekend likely will not be enough to lessen the fire risk across Vancouver Island.

The Coastal Fire Centre is asking people to remain vigilant as the fire risk is expected to remain at least high.

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