Pacific Marine Drive has been reopened to vehicle traffic between Lake Cowichan and Port Renfrew after crews removed dangerous trees and cleared away debris related to the Spring Road/Lizard Lake fire along this route.
The fire has been burning for about two weeks and Pacific Marine Drive has been closed since the start of the wildfire.
The opening of the well-used connector route was effective as of 8 a.m. Tuesday, said Coastal Fire Centre fire information officer Marg Drysdale.
Public access restriction for areas surrounding Pacific Marine Drive is still in place. Multiple potential hazards remain in those areas, including wildfire activity, danger trees and the operation of heavy equipment.
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has posted “No Stopping” signs from the seven-kilometre mark to the three-kilometre mark along this road.
The regular posted speed of 60 kilometres per hour will remain in effect.
In areas where debris has fallen, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has erected barriers to help protect members of the public travelling on this road.
The Coastal Fire Centre thanks the public for its ongoing assistance reporting forest fires.
Anyone who sees a column of smoke is encouraged to report it by calling 1 800 663-5555 or *5555 on a cellphone.
