Newcastle Creek wildfire on Vancouver Island still growing
Posted May 31, 2023 1:11 pm.
Last Updated May 31, 2023 1:14 pm.
An out-of-control wildfire on northeastern Vancouver Island is still growing and is “not responding to suppression efforts,” according to the BC Wildfire Service.
The fire was first discovered on Monday at 15 hectares. Since then, it has expanded to 160 hectares.
Read more: Vancouver Island wildfire rapidly grows
Burning near Sayward, the fire is the biggest the Coastal Fire Centre has seen this year.
The BC Wildfire Service says dozens of firefighters are working on combating the blaze, along with multiple helicopters and water tenders.
The Newcastle Creek wildfire is currently burning on Vancouver Island. (Courtesy BC Wildfire Service)
“The immediate area continues to be impacted by smoke, as well as other parts of Vancouver Island. Crews supported by helicopters will continue to action the fire on accessible flanks with the help of natural barriers,” the BC Wildfire Service says.
“Cooler temperatures and higher humidity are expected today and crews will take advantage of these conditions. The objective through the next operational period is to stop the fire from growing beyond its current perimeter. Currently, BCWS is not recommending any evacuation alerts related to this fire.”
The fire is suspected of being human-caused.
-With files from Robyn Crawford
