There is an out of control wildfire burning at Cameron Lake along Highway 4, the main road connecting the West Coast and Port Alberni to the east side of the Vancouver Island.
BC Wildfire Service discovered the Wesley Ridge wildfire on Thursday morning, July 31. They say the fire is 20 Hectares and located on the opposite side of Cameron Lake from the highway. Wesley Ridge is located about four kilometres east of Cathedral Grove and the fire is on the north side of the lake.
Highway 4 currently remains open in both directions as Coastal Fire Centre investigates.
“There are no current area restrictions near this incident,” says BC Wildfire in their latest update at 9:35 a.m. on July 31.
They say the wildfire was first detected after midnight and is “burning aggressively and is in difficult to access terrain.”
Coombs and Dashwood fire departments are engaged, according to BC Wildifre, and 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,” says 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.
For up-to-date information about driving conditions, visit: https://www.drivebc.ca/.
This article will be updated as more information comes in…
