UPDATE (this will be our final update of the evening, unless the situation changes dramatically):
18 properties in Carlson Point, north of Sechelt are still under an evacuation alert, along with a handful of homes in the Ladysmith area as a result of wildfires that have been burning since Thursday afternoon.
The Coastal Fire Centre says the Old Sechelt Mine wildfire is sitting at 35 hectares, and it’s still not contained.
Marg Drysdale is a Fire Information Officer.
As well as helicopters and firefighters, the Fire Centre is using heavy equipment and tree fallers to widen roads in the area and create fire breaks
Meanwhile, Drysdale says their teams remain on scene assisting local fire departments with yesterday’s wildfire near the Nanaimo Airport, which is now is 80 per cent contained.
Officials in Ladysmith describe the fire as still active, and say crews are putting out hot spots in trees and smoldering fields.
People have been allowed to return to the handful of homes that were evacuated Thursday, but they’re still on alert in case the fire flares up again.
UPDATE 4:30 PM JULY 3: The Coastal Fire Centre says the “Old Sechelt Mine” fire, is still estimated at 35 hectares, although that may change again as mapping continues.
Fire Information Officer Marg Drysdale also says it remains un-contained, and they’re working with heavy equipment to keep the fire from growing.
There are also 2 helicopters and 26 fire fighters as part of the team
Meanwhile, south of Nanaimo, the fire that flared up in a hay field near the Airport yesterday remains 80 per cent contained.
Coastal Fire Centre teams continue to assist local fire departments in trying to get it completely out, and guarding against flare-ups.
FROM 3:45 PM JULY 3: An evacuation alert remains in place for 18 properties in the Carlson Point area north of Sechelt, because of a wildfire that flared up Thursday.
The Sunshine Coast Regional District issued the alert at noon. The concern is that a the fire could cut off the road to the remote sub-division.
The Coastal Fire Centre says the “Old Sechelt Mine” fire (picture above courtesy Coastal Fire Centre), is now estimated at 35 hectares.
Fire Information Officer Donna MacPherson says increased size is a result of conditions that have allowed teams to map the area better.
MacPherson says 2 helicopters, 26 fire fighters, heavy equipment and tree fallers are working to get some containment on the fire.
The Sechelt Fire Department and SCRD officials say they’re monitoring the impact on The Shores, and the larger rural properties close to the fire zone.
SCRD Emergency Program Coordinator Bill Elsner is also encouraging homeowners to use the opportunity to deal with potential hazards on their property, like dried debris on roofs and in eavestroughs to reduce the risk from drifting embers.
Meanwhile, south of Nanaimo, the fire that flared up in a hay field near the Airport yesterday afternoon is 80 per cent contained.
MacPherson says Coastal Fire Centre teams continue to assist local fire departments as they work to get it out.
People have been allowed to return to the handful of homes that were evacuated, but they’re still on alert.
Nanaimo Fire Rescue crews have also been busy.
They were called out shortly after 3pm Friday for a fire along the side of the Island Highway near Mary Ellen Drive.
Firefighters have it 90 per cent contained, but the road is closed, and they’re telling people to use the old island highway if they’re headed north.
Useful links:
Carlson Point Evacuation Alert Map.
Canadian Lung Association website advice on smoke from forest fires.
Updates from the Town of Ladysmith: www.ladysmith.ca
Facebook page www.Facebook.com/LadysmithBC
