Wildfire breaks out near Middle Quinsam Lake, southwest of Campbell River. The B.C. Wildfire Service says it is now 12 hectares in size. Photo courtesy Facebook/Alicia Young.
A wildfire about 25 kilometres southwest of Campbell River has tripled in size since being first discovered Wednesday.
The B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) says the now 12-hectare blaze is burning at the Argonaut Mainline near the Quinsam Coal mine with 19 firefighters on the scene to fight it.
The mine has not been evacuated.
Video courtesy Facebook/Alicia Young.
The BCWS is listing the fire as human-caused.
Early Thursday morning the fire was estimated as being four hectares in size.
Strathcona Regional District Emergency Preparedness reported on social media that people in Campbell River could see smoke on Wednesday night.
The BC Wildfire Service reminds people that as of May 18th, Category two open burns are prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction, with the exception of the Haida Gwaii Natural Resource District and the “Fog Zone.”
The prohibition is in place to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety and will remain in effect until Oct. 20, or until the public is otherwise notified.
Ben O'Hara
