B.C.’s Wesley Ridge wildfire prompts evacuations, lake access bans, and potential road delays near Cameron Lake on Vancouver Island.
Wildfire Threatens Lakes and Communities Near Cameron Lake
A rapidly growing wildfire near Cameron Lake has triggered evacuation orders for hundreds of properties and forced officials to restrict lake access as firefighting efforts intensify on Vancouver Island.
The Wesley Ridge wildfire, located about 50 kilometres northwest of Nanaimo, has expanded to approximately 389 hectares, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS). The fire is suspected to be human-caused and is one of nearly 150 wildfires currently active in the province.
Fire Crews Battle Tough Terrain with Air Support
The blaze is burning in steep, heavily forested terrain along the north banks of Cameron Lake, making ground access difficult. At a press conference on Sunday, BCWS fire information officer Madison Dahl confirmed that 142 personnel are currently deployed in the area, supported by aircraft drawing water from nearby lakes.
“These are challenging conditions,” said Dahl. “The fire continues to burn in areas with large amounts of timber, and it’s going to keep producing heavy smoke.”
Hundreds Evacuated, Park Closed
The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) issued an evacuation order for 393 properties, primarily residential, requiring immediate departure. An additional 238 properties remain on evacuation alert, meaning residents should be ready to leave at short notice.
All of Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park — home to campgrounds, hiking trails, and picnic areas — is under full evacuation as fire crews work to secure the perimeter.
Lakes Closed to Boaters Amid Aircraft Operations
RDN emergency operations director Douglas Holmes urged the public to avoid Cameron, Spider, and Horne lakes, which are currently being used by helicopters and skimmers to draw water.
“Any interaction between those aircraft and personal watercraft can delay critical fire suppression efforts — or lead to dangerous accidents,” Holmes warned. “Please use common sense and stay off the water.”
Highway 4 May Face Sudden Closures
The B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure announced potential travel disruptions along Highway 4 — the main east-west route on Vancouver Island — as firefighting operations continue.
While the highway remains open, traffic-control personnel are in place to implement immediate closures if requested by fire officials. Motorists are advised not to stop along the route and to plan for potential delays.
Weather Outlook Offers Limited Relief
Though the region may see cooler temperatures and possible rainfall by midweek, Dahl cautioned that drought conditions persist. “We would need significant precipitation to have a meaningful impact on the fire,” she said.
Officials continue to monitor the situation closely and are urging residents to stay informed through official emergency channels.
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