Crews are battling the Nanaimo Lakes wildfire.
UPDATE: August 8th:
The Nanaimo Lakes Wildfire continues to spread with the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) estimating the blaze at 160 hectares.
Flames were seen heading north Tuesday towards Barsby Lake.
The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) said Tuesday night the wildfire was growing west towards Nanaimo Lakes and the the evacuation order west of the blaze, about 13 kilometres southwest of Nanaimo, remains in effect.
An evacuation alert for 77 properties east of the fire continues.
Update from BC Wildfire on the Nanaimo Lakes Wildfire as of 6:30pm Aug 7. The evacuation order and alert remain in affect: https://t.co/43fjoFuh5o https://t.co/aG3spL2gSr
— RDN (@RDNanaimo) August 8, 2018
The RDN said Tuesday night 10 per cent of the fire is contained, but still considered out of control and a Wildfire of Note by the BCWS.
District officials say traffic is being stopped on Nanaimo River Road and Nanaimo Lakes Road at South Forks Road heading west toward the fire.
Anyone who lives on Nanaimo River Road with proof of residency are permitted to enter and exit.
UPDATE: August 7th:
A wildfire burning in the Nanaimo Lakes area near Nanaimo River Road is now at 131 hectares.
The Regional District of Nanaimo says 57 personnel, as well as heavy machinery, are fighting the blaze on the ground and six helicopters fighting in the air.
The fire has been moving in a west-northwest direction, and no reception centre has been opened for the time being.
Currently the fire is classified as out of control and is suspected to be human-caused, but is still under investigation.
State of emergency details:
The Regional District of Nanaimo has declared a local state of emergency due to the Nanaimo Lakes wildfire.
An evacuation order and an alert have been issued for areas around the wildfire, which is burning out of control.
The evacuation order is for anyone currently west of the fire, in the area outlined below:
The evacuation order area. Photo courtesy of the Regional District of Nanaimo.
The district said the fire can potentially threaten the life and property and people in the area. Everyone in the evacuation area has been told to leave. RCMP are in the area and are enforcing the order.
The evacuation alert is for 77 properties east of the fire. It includes the following areas:
Elk Trails Way from 2515-2630
Nanaimo River Road from 1565-2665
South Forks Road from 2375-2710
Twilight Way from 2728-2796
The evacuation alert area outlined in yellow. Photo courtesy of the Regional District of Nanaimo.
The people at the residences in the area will be notified if the alert is changed to an evacuation order.
Residents in the alert area will be given much advance notice as possible prior to an evacuation. However, the district said residents may receive limited notice due to changing conditions.
The district advises of the following steps to prepare for an evacuation order:
- Locating all family members or co-workers and designate at an agreed to meeting place, outside the evacuation area, should an evacuation be called while separated.
- Gathering essential items such as medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (i.e. insurance), immediate care needs for dependents and, if you choose, keepsakes (photographs, etc.). Have these items readily available for quick departure.
- Preparing to move any disabled persons and/or children.
- Moving pets and livestock to a safe area.
- Arranging to transport your household members or co-workers in the event of an evacuation order. If you need transportation assistance from the area please call 911.
- Arranging accommodation for your family if possible. In the event of an evacuation, Reception Centres will be opened if required.
The full press release can be read here. The wildfire is located in the Nanaimo Lakes area near Nanaimo River Road. The lakes are around 30 kilometres southwest of the City of Nanaimo. Air tankers were brought in Monday to assist with the fire, in addition to the 36 personnel and two pieces of heavy machinery fighting on ground and five helicopters fighting in the air.
Dean Stoltz
