The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) and the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) have issued an evacuation order and alerts for specific residential areas as a result of an “out of control” wildfire on Mt. Hayes near Ladysmith.
An evacuation order has been issued by the CVRD for the Bush Creek Fish Hatchery because of the wildfire. The CVRD says an evacuation order is issued due to an immediate danger to life safety.
During an evacuation order, emergency officials will go door-to-door to inform the affected addresses, according to the district.
Evacuation alerts have also been issued for addresses on Ivey Road, Takala Road and David Road as a result of the Mt. Hayes fire.
The joint notice from the regional districts outline that an evacuation alert is issued as a warning in order for residents in these areas to prepare to evacuate their property, should it be necessary.
The regional districts stress that residents will be given as much advance notice as possible if an evacuation is pending, however, limited notice may be received due to changing conditions.
The Mt. Hayes fire sparked on Thursday afternoon and rapidly grew to 70 hectares overnight, according to the BC Wildfire Service.
“The overnight growth occurred downslope so the fire continues to burn away from structures as it grows,” a fire centre spokesperson said.
Ground crews are battling the wildfire with support from helicopters and heavy equipment. In total there are 30 personnel, two helicopters, two water tenders, and two pieces of heavy equipment with more resources on the way.
The CVRD has also declared a State of Local Emergency due to the wildfire, currently burning west of Ladysmith. They are asking the public to avoid the Cowichan Valley Regional Trail in the area of Christie Falls until further notice.
Below is a full list of addresses that have been issued evacuation alerts:
12800 IVEY RD
12818 IVEY RD
12838 IVEY RD
12844 IVEY RD
5580 TAKALA RD
5621 TAKALA RD
5635 TAKALA RD
5675 TAKALA RD
5680 TAKALA RD
5685 TAKALA RD
5730 TAKALA RD
5735 TAKALA RD
5680 DAVID RD
5690 DAVID RD
5692 DAVID RD
5694 DAVID RD
5696 DAVID RD
5698 DAVID RD
5700 DAVID RD
5775 DAVID RD
Graham Cox
