A wildfire near Duncan is currently out of control and the BC Wildfire Centre has issued an evacuation order for one property, according to the Coastal Fire Centre.
The wildfire, burning on the north slope of Mount Prevost, was discovered in the Holyoak Creek area on Thursday, August 5th and is approximately 10 hectares in size; it is suspected to be human-caused.
The Cowichan Valley Regional District and BC Wildfire Centre issued an evacuation order for 7990 Mount Prevost Road at around 11 a.m. on Friday morning.
Fire information officer for Coastal Fire Centre, Dorthe Jakobsen, told Victoria Buzz that the smoky, dry conditions are presenting challenges to emergency responders.
High winds forced crews to back off from the fire area on Thursday night.
Cloud coverage and high winds are also creating more smoke to surround the Cowichan Valley; though, an air advisory has not been issued.
Jakobsen said that the Holyoak Creek wildfire is a rank two or three vigorous surface fire.
This is the second fire in the area this week.
The first wildfire was discovered near Chemainus River on Wednesday, August 4th and was approximately 0.3 hectares in size.
The Chemainus wildfire is now under control and is suspected to be human-caused.
An air tanker, three helicopters, 24 firefighters, three water tanks, and an excavator have been deployed to fight the wildfires.
While only one property has been issued an evacuation notice, the Cowichan Valley Regional District has outlined tips for a safe evacuation procedure:
- Locate all family members and designate a meeting area outside the evacuation area, should an Evacuation Order be called while separated.
- Pack essential items such as government-issued ID, medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (e.g. insurance, credit, and mortgage information), immediate care needs for dependents and, if time and space permits, keepsakes for quick departure.
- Prepare to move disabled persons, children and/or neighbours, if assistance is needed.
- Prepare to take pets with you and move livestock to a safe area (if possible).
- Arrange transportation for all your household members. Fill the gas tanks of personal vehicles.
- Arrange accommodation for all members of the residence, if possible.
- Wait for an Evacuation Order to be issued before evacuating. Monitor media sources
for information on evacuation orders and location of Reception Centres.
As of this publication, the Holyoak Creek fire is the only active fire burning on Vancouver Island.
More to come.
