Evacuation order lifted following grass fire near Nanaimo Airport

Residents living near a grass fire, east of Nanaimo Airport, have now been allowed to return home, but remain on evacuation alert.

Twelve homes were evacuated due to the fire that broke out on Thursday afternoon.

Crews with the North Oyster, Ladysmith, Cedar and Nanaimo Fire Departments are still fighting the blaze, which is estimated to be just under 20 hectares in size. As of midnight on Thursday it was fully contained.

Marg Drysdale of the Coastal Fire Centre says they’re assisting with the response as well. Multiple water bombers were sent to the fire, and ten additional firefighters were also on scene.

Ladysmith RCMP Staff Sgt. David Herman says a hay cutter accidentally caused the fire.

There are no reports of any injuries.