Fire crews have been battling a wildfire in the Nanaimo Lakes area throughout the day.
As of Monday morning, the B.C. Wildfire Service estimated that the fire covered about 50 hectares, but recent reports say that it has since grown to 75 hectares, and is still classified as ‘out of control’.
According to a tweet from B.C. Wildfire Service, there were no threats to communities as of Monday morning, but smoke from the fire is largely visible in many parts of the Island.
Heavy equipment and helicopters have been brought in to battle the blaze.
The Nanaimo Lakes #BCwildfire is ~50 has. There are no threats to communities at this time but smoke from this fire is highly visible in a variety of areas. This will likely continue to be the case throughout the day. Firefighters, heavy equipment and helicopters are responding. pic.twitter.com/JOX6s961ss
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) August 6, 2018
The Ministry of Environment & Climate Change Strategy has also issued a Smoky Skies Advisory east Vancouver Island due to wildfire smoke.
Authorities believe that the fire was human caused.
