A fast-moving wildfire north of Cameron Lake on Vancouver Island has forced officials to issue an immediate evacuation order, displacing dozens of residents as firefighting crews battle against challenging conditions.
The blaze, which ignited Wednesday afternoon in steep, heavily forested terrain, quickly expanded to over 25 hectares by Thursday morning according to BC Wildfire Service officials. Fanned by unseasonably dry conditions and erratic winds, the fire’s rapid growth prompted the Regional District of Nanaimo to issue evacuation orders for properties along Highway 4 and surrounding areas.
“We’ve deployed multiple air tankers and helicopters alongside ground crews, but the terrain presents significant challenges,” said Sarah McIntosh, Fire Information Officer with BC Wildfire Service. “The combination of limited access points and dense forest cover is complicating suppression efforts.”
Highway 4, a critical transportation artery connecting Port Alberni to the east coast of Vancouver Island, has been partially closed, with authorities implementing single-lane alternating traffic approximately 5 kilometers east of Cathedral Grove. Travelers are being urged to check DriveBC for the latest updates before attempting to travel through the area.
For evacuees, an Emergency Support Services reception center has been established at the Parksville Community Centre, where displaced residents can register for temporary accommodation and essential supplies. The evacuation order affects approximately 40 properties, with another 75 properties placed on evacuation alert.
This wildfire erupts amid growing concerns about British Columbia’s increasingly volatile fire seasons. The province has recorded a 40% increase in early-season wildfires compared to the 10-year average, according to data from the BC Wildfire Service.
“What’s particularly concerning is how early we’re seeing significant fire activity,” noted Dr. Robert Chen, climate scientist at the University of British Columbia. “These conditions typically wouldn’t develop until late July or August, but climate patterns are shifting the fire season earlier and making it longer.”
Local resident Thomas Willingham, who was forced to evacuate his home of 23 years, described the scene as “surreal.”
“I had maybe 30 minutes to grab what matters and leave,” Willingham said. “You think you’re prepared for something like this, but when that RCMP officer knocks on your door and tells you it’s time to go, everything changes.”
Fire officials are utilizing thermal imaging technology to track the fire’s progression and identify hotspots, while provincial resources have been mobilized to support local firefighting efforts. Four water bombers were observed making repeated drops throughout Wednesday evening, with helicopter bucketing operations continuing into the night.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though preliminary reports suggest it may have originated near a hiking trail popular with tourists visiting the Cameron Lake area. Fire prevention specialists warn that even a small spark can trigger devastating wildfires under current conditions.
As climate patterns continue to shift, Vancouver Island communities face growing wildfire threats in areas once considered low-risk. Emergency management officials are urging all residents to prepare evacuation plans and emergency kits before they’re needed.
For those affected by the evacuation orders, the regional district has established an emergency information line at 250-954-3411. Officials expect to provide their next update on the situation by 6 PM Thursday, with hopes that changing weather conditions might bring some relief to firefighting efforts.
