Crews making progress on Vancouver Island wildfire: BCWS

The wildfire on Vancouver Island that prompted the closure of Highway 4 and all but cut off a number of communities remains out of control.

However, the BC Wildfire Service insists crews are making progress on the Cameron Bluffs fire.

“There are 60 firefighters and five helicopters, supported by air tankers, actioning this fire. Crews are making reasonable progress, considering the burning conditions,” Fire Information Officer Kimberly Kelly said Thursday.

The Cameron Bluffs Fire is burning above a highway next to Vancouver Island’s Cameron Lake. (Courtesy BC Wildfire Service)

Communities including Port Alberni, Tofino, and Ucluelet are only accessible by an alternate route — a detour that is already proving hazardous with a number of crashes reported since the closure of Highway 4 on Tuesday.

She says the highway will have to be assessed, given the damage caused by this fire, before it is reopened.

“Highway 4 remains closed due to debris impact on the highway. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure are preparing for slope stability experts to engage in assessment activities and decision making for public safety on the highway,” she said.

As of Thursday afternoon, the fire, which was reported over the weekend, was an estimated 140 hectares.

Kelly says crews have been able to keep the fire “within the containment area.”

“Crews and engines are working early and late on the roadside, taking advantage of the long daylight hours. Crews are also working on the backside of the fire within the trigger points,” she explained.

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Despite the highway closure, the BC Wildfire Service notes no evacuation alerts or orders have been issued because of the Cameron Bluffs fire.

“There’s no concern about the Cameron Bluffs fire moving toward any community at this time,” Kelly said, adding if alerts or orders are issued, that will be done by local governments.

Because the fire is still considered out of control, there is no definitive timeline for when Highway 4 will re-open between Cameron Lake and Port Alberni.