Wildfire near Duncan on Southern Vancouver Island is ‘out of control’

An ‘out of control’ wildfire is burning west of Duncan on Southern Vancouver Island.

The BC Wildfire Service says the fire is located along the Cowichan River in between Duncan, and the town of Lake Cowichan.

Currently, the fire is reportedly an estimated 4.1 hectares — and growing.

“The wildfire is continuing to spread and is not responding to suppression efforts, when this is the case more aggressive suppression and control methods are applied,” BC Wildfire said in a tweet.

One helicopter, two specialized water transports, and 16 people are reported to be working on putting the fire out.

“Crews are working on establishing a containment line around the fire and are making good progress,” the BC Wildfire Service said.

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The fire started on Saturday, and is reported to be human-caused.

The service is warning people to be active in preventing fires, and the government has banned open fires in many areas of the province.

“With most of the province experiencing above-normal drought conditions, we remind everyone to use caution and remain vigilant to prevent human-caused fires when enjoying the outdoors this weekend,” it notes.

Fires this late in October are a rarity in B.C., but with multiple areas across the province reaching severe drought conditions, the abnormal weather has led to a prolonged wildfire season.

“The region has been experiencing a long period of warm, dry weather since mid-July that is extending into October, historic low river inflows, and higher than average water demands for the time of year,” Sav Dhaliwal, chair of Metro Vancouver’s Board of Directors, said.

The BC Wildfire Service says that wildfire season will last “well into the fall.”

With files from Mike Lloyd, and Charlie Carey