News Release - August 7, 2018

Nanaimo Lakes Wildfire Update

Update

As of this morning, the wildfire remains active. There are 57 personnel as well as heavy machinery fighting on the ground and six helicopters fighting in the air. The fire has burned an estimated 131 hectares and the spread of the fire has generally been in a west-northwest direction. For information regarding active wildfires please call the BC Wildfire Information Line 250-951-4209.

There is no Reception Centre currently open at this time. If there are direct questions related to the evacuation order or alert, contact the RDN Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) at 250-390-6538. The EOC continues to support firefighting operations. The Evacuation Alert remains in place and we will update with further information as it becomes available.

Currently, Nanaimo River Road at the South Forks intersection is closed. We will provide updates on road closures and fire conditions as they become available on our website, Facebook and Twitter.

Background

The Regional District of Nanaimo is monitoring and communicating with the Coastal Wildfire Centre regarding a current wildfire in the Nanaimo Lakes area near Nanaimo River Road, which is located in Electoral Area C. The wildfire was reported the evening of Aug 5, 2018, the cause is under investigation.

The Coastal Fire Region is currently in a high to extreme rating and all campfires are banned. The hot and dry weather is expected to continue for the next few days, therefore extreme caution is recommended. BC Wildfire relies on the public to help locate wildfires. Report wildfires to *5555 on a cell or 1 800 663-5555 toll-free.

The BC Wildfire Service also provides wildfire updates through their interactive mapping tool.

Air quality information is also provided on the Wildfire Service website.