Vancouver Island Wildfire Grows to 511 Hectares as Evacuations and Community Support Continue

A fast-moving wildfire on Vancouver Island continues to burn out of control, growing to 511 hectares as of Monday, with hundreds of residents displaced and local communities stepping up in support.

The Wesley Ridge wildfire was first discovered Thursday on the steep, forested slopes north of Cameron Lake, approximately 50 kilometres northwest of Nanaimo. Though fire activity remained relatively stable overnight, officials say the blaze is still highly active and unpredictable.

“There was limited growth overnight,” said Madison Dahl, fire information officer with the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS), at a Monday press conference. She noted that the fire’s size may be updated as crews assess more accurate mapping data once visibility improves.

As of Monday, an evacuation order remains in place for 387 properties, requiring residents to leave the area immediately. Another 235 properties are under evacuation alert, meaning occupants must be prepared to leave on short notice.

So far, there have been no reported structural losses.

“We’re thankful for the work crews have done so far. It’s been a pretty successful day in terms of structure protection,” said Christina Crabtree, emergency operations centre director for the Regional District of Nanaimo.

Crews and Equipment on Site

A total of 164 personnel are on the ground, including more than 80 specialists focused on protecting homes and other buildings. Eight helicopters and multiple fire departments — including Dashwood and Coombs — are contributing to suppression efforts.

The fire has created thick smoke in the area, significantly limiting visibility for both crews and residents.

Although Highway 4 — a critical route between Parksville and Port Alberni — remains open, the Ministry of Transportation has warned of potential disruptions.

“Travelers should expect sudden changes,” the ministry said, adding that traffic personnel are standing by to respond if the fire forces temporary closures.

Cause and Context

The Wesley Ridge fire is suspected to be human-caused, which includes all non-lightning ignition sources. Across British Columbia, 138 wildfires are currently burning, according to BCWS.

Locals Rally to Help

As firefighting crews battle the flames, the community is mobilizing to help those impacted.

Joanne Trofanenko, a retired paramedic from Courtenay who owns property in the evacuation zone, took to social media to connect evacuees with shelter, transportation, and even animal boarding.

“It was a way for me to help and connect people with the resources they might need,” said Trofanenko, adding that nearly 200 people from the Comox Valley have offered assistance.

“That property was my refuge,” she said. “And I know for a lot of people, that community is their safe space — it’s a piece of paradise.”

Others, like Coombs resident Ari Buttenham, have been offering practical support. He’s been towing trailers and helping move people’s belongings free of charge.

“We have trucks and equipment,” said Buttenham. “It just made sense to help.”

Despite the challenges, Buttenham says the wildfire has revealed the deep sense of solidarity among locals.

“It's definitely an emotional time. But everyone’s had the community’s back.”