BC Wildfire crews are hitting the Wesley Ridge blaze near Cameron Lake hard with multiple aircrafts to cool and contain the out-of-control wildfire that was discovered on Thursday morning, July 31.
Wildfire smoke is wafting through Port Alberni as residents in the impacted area on the north side of Cameron Lake have been ordered to evacuate immediately by the Regional District of Nanaimo.
On a scale of one to six, BC Wildfire ranked Wesley Ridge Fire Number V71145 as a two with pockets of three, stating that it is a “low vigorous, ground service fire with open flame visible”.
“We are fortunate to have low winds at this time,” said Coastal Fire Centre Information Officer Kimberly Kelly in a midday July 31 media update.
“The weather forecast is not seeing a significant increase in wind activity or a change in direction so we’re not expecting the wind to be a factor at this time. Just understand when we forecast our weather it’s a prediction, not a promise,” she continued.
The size of the wildfire is 40-hectares as of 1:14 p.m., July 31. That is double the size BC Wildfire first reported.
Wesley Ridge is located about four kilometres east of Cathedral Grove on the opposite side of Cameron Lake from Highway 4, the main road connecting the West Coast and Port Alberni to the east side of the Vancouver Island.
Highway 4 currently remains open in both directions as crews tackle the fire.
“There is no threat at this time. However, this is a dynamic situation,” said Kelly.
BC Wildfire reported that the blaze was first detected after midnight and is “burning aggressively and is in difficult to access terrain.”
Kelly says the terrain in the area is steep and will give ground crews some challenges in terms of accessibility.
Coombs and Dashwood fire departments are engaged, according to BC Wildifre. In collaboration with local government, the wildfire officials are recommending evac orders and alerts based on ease of access for crews and structural protection equipment as well as egress for public.
“Travelers on highway 4 please be mindful - crews and aircraft are working in the area, proceed with caution and stay focused on the road and don’t stop the flow of traffic,” states BC Wildfire.
Drive BC re-iterates.
“Watch for fire crews working in the area, as well as possible reduced visibility due to smoke. Highway is open,” states Drive BC in a July 31 update.
BC Wildfire suspects the blaze was caused by humans, either intentionally or by accident.
In June 2023, a wildfire at Cameron Bluffs closed Highway 4 for almost three weeks, with delays affecting the route for most of the summer.
With August Long Weekend upon us, Kelly urged the public to recreate responsibly to prevent wildfires. She said 95 per cent of 2025 wildfires within the Coastal Fire region are suspected to be caused by people.
To report smoke or fires, call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 or through the BCWS mobile app on your smart device.
For up-to-date information about driving conditions, visit: https://www.drivebc.ca/.
