Evacuation orders, alerts expanded as Vancouver Island wildfire grows
An expanded evacuation order has been issued for dozens of properties threatened by the Wesley Ridge wildfire on Vancouver Island.
The Regional District of Nanaimo issued the expanded order, along with an expanded evacuation alert, late Friday night.
The properties affected are located in the Little Qualicum River Village. A list of addresses can be found in the order on the regional district's website.
The Wesley Ridge fire has grown rapidly since it was discovered on the north shore of Cameron Lake July 31. As of Saturday morning, the B.C. Wildfire Service estimated it at 245 hectares in size.
A total of 76 resources were assigned to the blaze, according to the BCWS. That includes firefighters and structure protection teams, five helicopters, 'skimmers and air tankers are required' and heavy equipment.
An incident management team will be assuming command over the firefighting efforts on the weekend, the service said.
'Fire conditions throughout yesterday proved challenging, requiring extensive aircraft operations to hold critical flanks,' reads the Saturday morning update on the BCWS website.
'In the late afternoon, the fire spread in the northeast corner, toward Little Qualicum River Village (Estates), exhibiting aggressive fire activity and driven by locally gusty winds. Crews, heavy equipment and aviation resources continued their tactical operations overnight. Numerous fire departments from across Vancouver Island are contributing to structure defence task forces focused on urban-interface values protection in the area where needed.'
The regional district said residents and visitors affected by the evacuation orders and alerts can call 250-390-6538 or visit the district's website for updates.
A reception centre has been set up at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, located at 747 Jones St.
'Residents are asked to stay out of the area of the fire response to avoid interfering with any aerial apparatus response,' the RDN said. 'Please do not go on the lake, operate drones, enter the area on foot or stop on the highway.'
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