Rainfall Aids Efforts to Control Wesley Ridge Wildfire Near Nanaimo

Nanaimo, Parksville, Oceanside — According to CHEK, recent rainfall in the Wesley Ridge area is aiding the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) in suppressing hotspots near the wildfire perimeter. The region received approximately 6.6 mm of rain overnight, with forecasts predicting an additional 10 to 30 mm throughout the day. This precipitation is expected to support crews working within 100 feet of the fire's edge, helping to mitigate the risk of increased fire behaviour.

BCWS information officer Karley Desrosiers noted that significant progress has already been made in reducing fire risks, and the rain will further accelerate these efforts. Once visibility improves, BCWS plans to use drones for aerial scans to identify any remaining hotspots, allowing crews to target and extinguish these areas effectively.

The Wesley Ridge wildfire, which has been stable at 588 hectares since August 9, is currently classified as being held. However, 35 properties remain under an evacuation order, while 268 are on evacuation alert, as reported by the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN). Residents under evacuation orders are eligible for Emergency Support Services until August 18. The RDN has also partially resumed curbside collection services, with residents encouraged to check their addresses for updates.

For more details, visit the original article from CHEK here.

Sources

• CHEK: https://cheknews.ca/rain-on-wesley-ridge-wildfire-will-support-suppressing-hotspots-bcws-1272752/