A state of emergency has been declared for a wildfire burning near Nanaimo.
The Mount Hayes wildfire, burning near Ladysmith and Cassidy, has grown to 70-hectares in just one day due to high winds and dry conditions, including regenerated cutblocks, according to the Coastal Fire Centre.
The Cowichan Valley Regional District has called a state of emergency in the areas on the map below labeled ‘H’ and a small north portion of Area ‘G.’
The wildfire is believed to have started just before 2 p.m. on Thursday, August 19th; it was deemed out of control that same day.
An evacuation order was issued for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage site owned by FortisBC at 3591 Ninatti Road.
A representative for Coastal Fire Centre told Victoria Buzz that crews the fire is a safe distance from the industrial site due to retardant drops keeping it at bay.
According to the BC Wildfire dashboard, the fire has grown to roughly 70-hectares in size and the cause of the blaze is currently unknown.
BC Wildfire Service personnel are responding with support of contract firefighters, heavy equipment, and water tenders.
Ground crews remained at the site of the fire throughout the night on Thursday.
A live feed from Mount Benson shows the wildfire quickly spreading as fire crews work to douse the blaze.
Several helicopters and planes were seen dropping water over the fire Thursday evening.
