News Release - August 6, 2018

Nanaimo Lakes Wildfire

The Regional District of Nanaimo is monitoring and communicating with the Coastal Wildfire Centre regarding a current wildfire in the Nanaimo Lakes area near Nanaimo River Road, which is located in Electoral Area C. The wildfire was reported the evening of Aug 5, 2018, the cause is under investigation.

As of this morning, the wildfire remains burning out of control, with 36 personnel and 2 pieces of heavy machinery fighting on ground and 5 helicopters fighting in the air. The fire has burned 50 hectares, and is burning in a northernly direction. Coastal Wildfire reports "there are no threats to communities at this time", and has not recommended any evacuation orders or alerts. Smoke is highly visible in the area and expected to continue to be today.

As of this morning, the RDN has activated a level one Emergency Operation Centre. Currently there may be some road closures near the fire. We will provide updates as they become available on our website, Facebook and Twitter.

The Coastal Fire Region is currently in a high to extreme rating and all campfires are banned. The hot and dry weather is expected to continue for the next few days, therefore extreme caution is recommended. BC Wildfire relies on the public to help locate wildfires. Report wildfires to *5555 on a cell or 1 800 663-5555 toll-free.

The BC Wildfire Service also provides wildfire updates through their interactive mapping tool.

Air quality information is also provided on the Wildfire Service website.