Wesley Ridge Wildfire Continues to Burn Out of Control Despite Limited Growth

The Wesley Ridge wildfire, suspected to be human-caused, remains uncontrolled, with 197 BC Wildfire Service personnel working to suppress the blaze in residential areas. The fire has burned 590 hectares, but has shown limited growth overnight. Residents can expect to see more smoke in the coming weeks and potentially months due to the hot and dry conditions. Nearly 700 people have received emergency support services during the wildfire event, and 294 properties are under evacuation orders.

Key Takeaways:

The Wesley Ridge wildfire has burned 590 hectares, but has shown limited growth overnight.
Two railroad trestle bridges have been destroyed, and a third has been damaged.
Ground crews have made excellent progress in suppressing the fire in residential areas.
The hot and dry weather is expected to last until mid-week, causing smoke to linger in the area.
Nearly 700 people have received emergency support services during the wildfire event.
294 properties are under evacuation orders, while 353 properties are under evacuation alerts.
Cameron Lake, Spider Lake, and Horne Lake are being used for water bucketing to fight the wildfire.
Three regional parks are closed, including the Little Qualicum River Park, Arrowsmith CPR trail, and Meadowood Park.
The BC SPCA is available to house pets needing a longer stay.
The fire is suspected to be human-caused, and investigations may take a long time to be completed correctly.

Statistics:

197 BC Wildfire Service personnel are working to suppress the wildfire.
197 personnel are on the ground, supported by 9 helicopters, 13 pieces of heavy equipment, and air tankers and skimmers.
294 properties are under evacuation orders.
353 properties are under evacuation alerts.
Nearly 700 people have received emergency support services.
590 hectares have burnt in the wildfire.

Sources:

August 10 update from Madison Dahl, fire information officer with BC Wildfire Service.
Video update from Beau Michaud, operations section chief for the Wesley Ridge fire.
Statement from Lisa Grant, Regional District of Nanaimo's emergency operations centre director.