August 18, 2025 at 4 p.m.
Wesley Ridge Wildfire
Staying Informed
Q: As the Wesley Ridge Wildfire is now under control, what comes next?
A: The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is now transitioning to recovery as there is no longer a State of Local Emergency nor Evacuation Orders or Alerts due to the Wesley Ridge Wildfire. All RDN services have resumed.
Q: Where do I find the most updated information on the Wesley Ridge Wildfire and recovery?
A: All updates and resources for the Wesley Ridge Wildfire recovery can be found on our website at: rdn.bc.ca/current-alerts. If you still have a question, please reach out to the Regional District of Nanaimo at 250-390-4111, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Q: Where can I get information about the Wesley Ridge Wildfire?
A: Visit the BC Wildfire Services website at: bit.ly/wesleyridgewildfire
Q: Is the RDN responding to the Mount Underwood Wildfire?
A: The Mount Underwood Fire discovered on August 11, 2025, is situated between Port Alberni and Bamfield within the jurisdiction of the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District. The BC Wildfire Service in coordination with the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District Emergency Operations Centre are responding to this fire – the RDN is not involved in responding.
For further updates on the Mount Underwood Wildfire, visit wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/map or acrd.bc.ca/mount-underwood-wildfire or contact the Mount Underwood Fire Emergency Operations Centre at 250-720-2738.
Q: What Evacuation Alerts or Orders are in place for the Wesley Ridge Wildfire?
A: There are no Evacuation Orders or Alerts in the Regional District of Nanaimo.
As of August 16, 2025, at 6 p.m. the following order and alert has been removed:
- The Evacuation Order for 35 properties that were on order has been lifted
- The Evacuation Alert for 268 properties that were on alert has been lifted
The public notice, alert and order can be viewed online at rdn.bc.ca/current-alerts
Emergency Support Services
Q: I received Emergency Support Services (ESS) for the Wesley Ridge Wildfire. What do I do if I need further support?
A: Emergency Support Services are no longer available. Emergency Support Services was available to those who were under Evacuation Order until 11 a.m. on Monday, August 18, 2025. If you have outstanding questions related to support received for the Wesley Ridge Wildfire, call the provincial ESS call center at 1-800-387-4258, go online via self-serve at ess.gov.bc.ca.
If you have insurance, please work with your insurance provider before seeking Emergency Support Services.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious or distressed, support is available from the BC Mental Health Support Line at 310-6789.
Re-Entry
Q: I can return home, what do I need to know?
A: Returning home after a wildfire can be overwhelming as the area may look different.
As you return home after the wildfire evacuation, please keep in mind that your community may look different than when you left it. Use caution and exercise good judgment when re-entering an area that was affected by the wildfire. Hazards may still exist, including hot spots that can flare up without warning.
In addition:
- Little Qualicum River Village is no longer on a Boil Water Notice, which was rescinded by Vancouver Island Health Authority, Friday, August 15, 2025.
- Curbside service has fully resumed.
- Inspect your home carefully before entering. Watch for unstable structures, ash pits and fallen trees.
- Mark ash pits for safety. Ash pits are holes full of hot ashes, created by burned trees and stumps. You can be seriously burned by falling into ash pits or landing in them with your hands or feets. Warm your family and neighbours to keep clear of the pits.
- Be mindful of danger trees and consider having an assessment done by a professional.
- BC Hydro reports that homes in your area lost power during the wildfire evacuation order. If a home was without power for longer than 48 hours the food may be hazardous to consume; please reference your Island Health materials (in your welcome home package) for further guidance.
- Thoroughly check for hazards before entering your house.
- Exercise safety and caution when returning to a property by wearing items such as long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and rubber boots.
- Wear an N-95 or equivalent dust mask (disposable face mask to filter dust and other air particulates) to reduce potential smoke exposure.
- All spoiled food can be discarded as normal.
For more information on re-entering your home, visit: rdn.bc.ca/wesleyridgewildfire
Q: Are any RDN parks or trails closed due to the Wesley Ridge Wildfire?
A: All RDN parks and trails are now open that were closed due to the Wesley Ridge Wildfire. Please visit rdn.bc.ca/parks-trails-alerts for an up-to-date status of RDN parks and trails.
Q: Can we use Cameron, Horne or Spider Lakes?
A: Yes, you can now use Cameron, Horne and Spider Lakes. BC Wildfire Services no longer have any air support requiring the use of those lakes. The public Horne Lake Boat Launch is open as well. Thank you to all that stayed close to shore or off the lakes during the wildfire.
A: Curbside service has now fully resumed. We appreciate RDN curbside customers’ understanding and patience when service was paused to ensure safety during the Wesley Ridge Wildfire.
Q: Is Highway 4 closed? Can I drive to/from Tofino?
A: Check DriveBC at drivebc.ca for current road conditions. If you travel, bring safety supplies, food and water. Do not stop to take photos, as this can obstruct emergency responders.
Q: What should I do if I encounter wildfire while driving?
A: Do not drive through a wildfire. Pull over safely, stay in your vehicle and wait for instructions from emergency personnel.
Q: What should I do if I see a wildfire?
A: Report it immediately by calling 911, or BC Wildfire Service: 1-800-663-5555 or **5555 from a cell phone
Additional Resources
- For information on the status of highways: drivebc.ca/
- For information on the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI): env.gov.bc.ca/epd/bcairquality/data/aqhi-table.html
- For updates on fire weather and smoke across Canada: firesmoke.ca/
Sign Up for Emergency Alerts
The RDN uses Voyent Alert! for emergency notifications. To learn more about this, see the RDN Voyent Alert! page.
Sign up to start receiving emergency alerts. You can sign up to receive emails, phone calls (automated) or text messages, whichever you prefer.
Flood Watch Safety Reminders
Take steps to secure your home and stay safe.
- Clear gutters and drains. Move items in low-lying areas to higher ground.
- Don’t drive across flooded roads.
- Stay clear of fast-flowing rivers as riverbanks may be unstable.
Stay Informed
- Subscribe to Voyent Alert to receive emergency updates via phone, text, email or the Voyent Alert app at rdn.bc.ca/voyent-alert.
Visit these resources for more tips and information:
- River Forecast Centre updates: www.gov.bc.ca/riverforecast
- Build a grab-and-go bag: https://gov.bc.ca/PreparedBC/EmergencyKit
- Check road conditions before any trips: https://DriveBC.ca
- Follow weather forecasts: https://www.Weather.gc.ca
- Visit www.PreparedBC.ca/Floods for more information.