Some people evacuated because of the Wesley Ridge fire can now return home. The Regional District of Nanaimo removed an evacuation order for 257 properties in Little Qualicum River Village at 11 a.m. on Aug. 11.
The properties are still on evacuation alert and there are still 37 properties above 1727 Warn Way under the order. There are still 353 properties below 1726 Warn Way and near the Spider Lake area on Evacuation Alert.
Little Qualicum River Village is on a boil water notice and the RDN is asking returning residents to limit water use to essential only.
“Please know our priority is getting residents home as soon as possible. We are in constant communication with BC Wildfire Service and other partners to assess when properties can be taken off Evacuation Order,” reads a news release from the RDN. “Updates to the evacuation order and alert areas are made based on recommendations from the BC Wildfire Service about wildfire activity. In addition, hazards caused by the fire, lack of utility services and firefighting equipment that are still present in the area are also considered before updates are made.”
A Resilience Centre at the Lighthouse Community Centre, 240 Lions Way, Qualicum Beach, will be open between 2 and 8 p.m. from Tuesday, August 12 to Friday, August 15 to help support residents affected by the fire. It offer resources such as health/mental health navigation support and FireSmart education.
READ MORE: United Way offers support to Wesley Ridge fire evacuees
“We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of residents in the area who remain affected by the Evacuation Order. We ask that the public continue avoiding the areas under the Evacuation Alert as there continues to be active wildfire operations in the area,” the news release says.
The BC Wildfire Service now considers the fire held and it is not anticipated to grow larger than the 588 hectares last reported.
READ MORE: No homes lost, Wesley Ridge fire being held
