A small, out-of-control fire is burning in the North Tahsish region of Vancouver Island following a lightning strike on Sunday evening.
BC Wildfire Service says they were alerted about the fire late Sunday and crews worked overnight in the area to manage the blaze. According to BC Wildfire Service, the fire — located around 32 kilometres southeast of Port Alice — is currently spread out around 0.3 of a hectare and is considered a Rank 1 fire — a fairly inactive fire with some open flame.
“You’re talking about is basically smoky ground with some of the dead vegetation on the ground catching now and again,” said Coastal Fire Centre information officer Donna MacPherson.
MacPherson says the fire is suspected to have been caused by lightning from a storm that passed through the area a few days ago, and crews are working Monday to bring the fire under control including tree falling to prevent the fire from spreading.
The Island is currently considered to have a high fire risk and small fires like these have been showing up and disappearing over the weekend with the dry conditions, according to MacPherson.
A fire in Port Alberni is currently the only other fire of significance on the island, according to MacPherson.
The fire that started June 28 on Cherry Creek Rd in Port Alberni is under control but still lingering as crews are working to put out hot spots in the area, according to MacPherson.
MacPherson noted that neither the fire in North Tahsish or the fire in Port Alberni are posing any risk to the public.
Justin Waddell
