Wildfire crews will be hitting the ground tonight near Gold River to begin actively fighting a growing blaze that’s producing widespread smoke in that North Island community.
The lightning-sparked Heber River Fire has now grown to an estimated 101 hectares.
A 20-person crew is now being sent in from Coastal Fire to begin attacking the blaze, which has now reached a trigger point in the forest, a cut block about eight kilometres north of Gold River.
According to the BC Wildfire Service, there is no imminent threat to the community, as the fire is not moving in the direction of Gold River, but crews want to stop its spread.
“That particular fire is putting off some smoke today which may be visible from nearby roadways but please know that fire is not a risk to any community, critical infrastructure or human life at this time. It is simply making a column of smoke today. We are aware of it and as I say, we will now be actioning that fire,” said Julia Caranci, fire information officer with the BC Wildfire Service.
The Heber River fire is the largest wildfire burning on the Island and is one of seven active wildfires on northern Vancouver Island.
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