While the Cameron Bluffs wildfire has been holding the attention of most on Vancouver Island due to its disruptive location, there are three other active wildfires on the Island in various states of control.
Kimberly Kelly, fire information officer with Coastal Fire Centre, says the risk of a wildfire is elevated across Vancouver Island and wants to remind people that there is a campfire ban in place to reduce the risk of wildfires.
READ MORE: Campfire ban in effect for Vancouver Island starting June 8
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Additionally, she encourages people to visit B.C.’s Fire Smart website to learn how to prepare their homes to protect against wildfires.
“Mowing your lawn. Cleaning your gutters. Storing combustibles at least 10 metres away from your house,” the website says. “These are just three of the many simple tasks that could make you the hero of your home if the wildfire got too close for comfort.”
If you see a wildfire, Kelly says the BC Wildfire Service recently launched an app that includes a reporting tool which will automatically generate map coordinates of the fire when you submit a photo. Alternatively, you can call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.
Newcastle Creek Wildfire
The Newcastle Creek wildfire, which is west of Sayward, remains at 208 hectares and is being held. This means it is not expected to spread further under the current conditions.
“It’s not showing any growth toward Sayward or any other community,” said Kelly. “[Crews] would still be working on it at this time and they made that decision that they feel that it is under control.”
There are 11 firefighters and one helicopter working at this fire that was discovered on May 29. The cause of the fire is suspected to be humans.
Mary Lake Wildfire
The wildfire near Mary Lake is listed as under control, and Kelly says it is about half a hectare.
The BC Wildfire Service will continue to monitor this fire, extinguish hot spots, and check for smoke and heat until it can be declared out.
Kelly says there is not yet a determined cause of the fire, but on June 9, the day it was discovered, there was no lightning in the area.
Sanjo Main Wildfire
The Sanjo Main wildfire was also about half a hectare, and is listed as under control. It is on the north end of the Island near Holberg.
Similar to the Mary Lake wildfire, Kelly says the cause is not determined but there was no lighting the day it was discovered on June 11.
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story included information of a fourth wildfire near Big Tree Main. Shortly after posting, the fire was declared out. The story has been updated to reflect this.
Laura Brougham
