2 small wildfires break out near Vancouver Island cities

Two new wildfires started close to cities on Vancouver Island on Thursday.

A fire at Rogers Creek, near the city centre of Port Alberni, reached 5,000 square metres in size. 

A fire near Lois Lake, 10 kilometres from Duncan and 137 kilometres from Victoria, broke out and spread to roughly 4,000 square metres.

The BC Wildfire Service says both fires are under control, meaning they are not projected to spread beyond their current perimeters.

The service says it suspects human activity was the cause of both fires.

Since May 17, most open burning activities have been prohibited everywhere, from the Sunshine Coast, Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, and Haida Gwaii until the end of October.

The BC Wildfire Service says the ban limits “Category 2” and “Category 3” open fires to help reduce wildfire risk and protect public safety.

That means no larger fires, fireworks, or things like sky lanterns will be allowed. But it doesn’t apply to small campfires that are a half metre high by a half metre wide or smaller.

BCWS is encouraging everyone to be mindful of any activities that could spark a wildfire during what is expected to be a dry and warm weekend in B.C.

—With files from Robyn Crawford.