News Release - August 17, 2018

Evacuation Alert Rescinded for Nanaimo Lakes Wildfire

The Nanaimo Lakes Wildfire is currently being held - meaning that it is not likely to spread beyond its existing boundaries under the prevailing and forecasted conditions - and the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) has been advised by BC Wildfire to rescind the final alert for the area at 4:00 pm today, August 17, 2018.

As a result, the RDN has now deactivated their Emergency Operation Centre. All roads will now be open to the Nanaimo Lakes area. The BC Wildfire Service would like to remind the public that this wildfire area remains an active worksite and is asking road users to use caution when travelling through the area, and to slow down to help ensure the safety of firefighters and other personnel working on this fire. We also ask that people refrain from entering the wildfire area itself in order to allow our crews to work safely and efficiently.

As we remain in a high or extreme fire danger rating on the Coast, please be very cautious when you are enjoying the remainder of summer. To report a wildfire call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on most cellular networks.

"I am relieved to be able to rescind this alert and hope residents in the alert area can recover from this upheaval as quickly as possible," said Chair Bill Veenhof. "On behalf of the RDN Board of Directors, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who helped protect our residents and our beautiful region. Thank you to the firefighters, BC Wildfire Service, Coastal Fire Centre, partner municipalities, volunteers and staff."

This information will be shared with the public through the RDN's emergency alert system Connect Rocket, and through the RDN website, Facebook and Twitter.

For information regarding active wildfires please visit BC Fire Info or call the BC Wildfire Information Line at 250-951-4209.