Wildfire crews are working tirelessly to contain a growing blaze on Vancouver Island, which has prompted both evacuation orders and alerts.
The Wesley Ridge wildfire was discovered on July 31, burning on the north side of Cameron Lake, and has grown to 389 hectares according to the B.C. Wildfire Service.
The Regional District of Nanaimo has issued multiple evacuation orders and alerts for properties in and around Little Qualicum River Village, with some of these orders expanded on Saturday afternoon.
The wildfire service says that wind gusts fuelled the fire’s growth on its northeast corner towards homes in the area.
A total of 191 homes are on evacuation order, while 283 are on evacuation alert.
An evacuation alert informs residents to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice, while an evacuation order forces residents to leave their homes.
A provincial park in the area, Little Qualicum Falls Park, is also under an evacuation order, after two day-use areas along Highway 4 were closed for wildfire operations.
While officials have confirmed no structures have been lost, they do say a historic railway trestle has been destroyed in the fire.
Local fire departments across Vancouver Island are aiding BCWS crews, including those from Coombs and Dashwood.
The response also includes more than 60 firefighting personnel, 5 helicopters and airtankers, heavy equipment, and structure protection.
The Wesley Ridge fire is suspected to have been human-caused.
Highway 4 remains open to traffic, though officials are warning travellers to be mindful of crews and ensure traffic continues to steadily flow.
BC’s wildfire situation has intensified in recent days as there are more than 140 active fires burning in the province.
Lightning is suspected behind a large number of recently ignited fires, as the Kamloops, Cariboo, and Prince George Fire Centres recorded tens of thousands of lightning strikes since July 30.