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Wildfires

Community Rallies Around Evacuees Amidst Wesly Ridge Wildfire

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As hundreds of people were forced to evacuate their homes in the Cameron Lake area due to the Wesley Ridge wildfire in early August, the surrounding community sprang into action. Residents offered up spare rooms, hosted livestock displaced by the fire, and more. The BC Wildfire Service had over 200 personnel battling the blaze, burning in steep and challenging terrain, and received assistance from the Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department and the Coombs-Hilliers Volunteer Fire Department. The Regional District of Nanaimo established an Emergency Support Services reception centre at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre for evacuees, and even provided an air-conditioned mobile pet trailer for those forced to flee with their pets.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 200 personnel from the BC Wildfire Service were deployed to combat the Wesley Ridge wildfire in steep and challenging terrain.
  • The Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department and the Coombs-Hilliers Volunteer Fire Department assisted the BC Wildfire Service in battling the blaze.
  • The Regional District of Nanaimo established an Emergency Support Services reception centre at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre for evacuees.
  • An air-conditioned mobile pet trailer was made available for evacuees with pets.
  • The RDN helped out with at least one request to move livestock, with many other arrangements made by private citizens.
  • Local businesses, including Bellevue Veterinary Hospital and Qualicum First Nation Campground, provided resources and support to those affected by the wildfire.
  • The fire is suspected to be human-caused and is under investigation.

Statistics:

  • 200 personnel from the BC Wildfire Service were battling the blaze.
  • 1-800-663-5555 is the phone number to report smoke or fires.
  • *5555 is the phone number to report smoke or fires from a cell phone.
  • The fire is suspected to be human-caused.

Sources:

  • BC Wildfire Service
  • Region of Nanaimo District
  • Parksville Qualicum Beach News
  • Bellevue Veterinary Hospital
  • Qualicum First Nation Campground
  • Coastal Fire Centre

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