While thousands in the BC capital enjoyed Canada Day festivities, multiple fire crews and helicopters were hard at work battling a major wildfire in Saanich.
At approximately 4:30 p.m. this afternoon, reports of a wildfire near Willis Point and Durrance brought firefighters from multiple detachments to the location.
Active Wildfire incident@SaanichFire crews working alongside
@BCGovFireInfo @CSaanichFire
@CFBEsqfire
And Willis Point Fire in the Durrance lake area.
Fire is contained at this time pic.twitter.com/H08yqLhFIK— Saanich Fire Department (@SaanichFire) July 2, 2019
According to the latest update, Saanich Fire, Central Saanich Fire, BC Wildfire Service, and CFB Esquimalt firefighters worked together for several hours to contain the blaze.
A statement from BC Minister of Agriculture Lana Popham announces that as of 3 hours ago, the fire had been reduced to half its original size and is under control.
Saanich Wildfire Update: Size of the area affected by the fire at this time is 1.5 hectares. I have been advised it's under control. Many thanks to the firefighters & emergency teams for their response. Will update as I receive info. #bcpoli @BCEmergencyMgmt @SaanichFire #dnd pic.twitter.com/gpUZne0FTe
— Lana Popham MLA (@lanapopham) July 2, 2019
Photos and videos submitted to Victoria Buzz show a BC Wildfire Service helicopter working hard to douse the flames.
There is currently no information on the cause of the fire.
