— UPDATED — 6:42 p.m. Aug. 14 — Pacific Marine Circle Route is expected to remain closed into the weekend, as fire crews continue to battle a forest fire that began on Wednesday afternoon and has extended beyond an estimated 150 hectares.
The total of firefighters on site has been extended to 60, and both the Fairy Lake and Lizard Lake recreation sites have been closed.
— UPDATED — 9:30 a.m. Aug 14 — Pacific Marine Circle Route remains closed.
The fire continues to burn in a north-easterly direction, however it still doesn’t pose a threat towards any structure, home, or community, BC Wildfire Service noted this morning.
An area closure has been implemented as well, meaning roads and areas inside of the perimeter of the restriction are with restricted access.
View the map of the area restriction here:
http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/Photos.asp…
— UPDATED — 9:54 a.m. Aug 13 — Pacific Marine Circle Route remains closed as fire crews are still battling the forest fire which began early Wednesday afternoon.
“The fire has crossed the highway and debris is falling down onto the road, so we anticipate this closure will remain in place for some time,” said Fire Information Officer Donna MacPherson of the Coastal Fire Centre in Parksville.
The fire has now grown to over 150 hectares. Despite its increase in size however, it is spreading north into wild bush and not towards any structure, home, or community, according to the BC Wildfire Service.
The Lizard Lake recreational site is closed, but the Fairy Lake recreational site remains open. Check www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca for any updates.
Today there are 39 firefighters, four officers, seven helicopters, two pieces of heavy equipment and two water tenders working on the fire.
MacPherson noted that Thursday’s weather forecast will be the same as Wednesday, so the fire is expected to be “quite active” in the afternoon.
Posted Aug. 12, 3:30 p.m.
Pacific Marine Circle Route is currently closed in both directions 15 km east of Port Renfrew (no access between Port Renfrew & Lake Cowichan) because of a forest fire, BC Wildfire Service announced earlier in a statement.
According to the report, a total of 135 hectares are affected and there is an additional 10 hectare spot fire adjacent to this fire. The fire is suspected to be human-caused.
As the situation currently stands, fire is active and rapidly climbing steep hills due to winds and extremely dry vegetation in the area.
At least 30 firefighters, five helicopters, one heavy piece of equipment and an additional four officers are on site, which is engulfed in heavy smoke.
Stay tuned for more updates. Go to www.drivebc.ca and click “View list of Conditions & Events” for additional info.
