Vancouver Island wildfire burning out of control, cause under investigation

CTV News

4 days ago

Wildfire officials are investigating a new forest fire burning out of control on Vancouver Island.
The Wesley Ridge fire was discovered early Thursday morning on the northeastern shore of Cameron Lake, between the communities of Parksville and Port Alberni.
The fire has burned an area measuring approximately 20 hectares and the cause of the blaze is still unknown.
'Wildfire investigations often take time and can be very complex,' the B.C. Wildfire Service says in an information bulletin about its investigation.
'Investigations may be carried out by one or more agencies, including the B.C. Wildfire Service, the Compliance and Enforcement Branch, the RCMP, or other law enforcement agencies, and may be cross-jurisdictional.'
A fire information officer with the Coastal Fire Centre says the agency will provide a live update about the fire later Thursday morning.
The wildfire service defines an out-of-control fire as a wildfire that is 'spreading or it is anticipated to spread beyond the current perimeter.'
There are about 70 active wildfires currently burning in B.C., including 21 that started in the last 24 hours.
Fewer than half of the wildfires now burning in the province are considered under control, while one-third are being held and one-quarter are out of control, according to the wildfire service.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.