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yesterday

Wesley Ridge Fire Declared Under Control as Residents Return Home

Continued hotspot suppression underpins public safety as forecasts shift toward warmer, drier conditions.

The BC Wildfire Service says the Boltres Creek wildfire, shown here in an undated handout photo, is burning about eight kilometres south of Vernon, B.C., and the fire is classified as "out of control." THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout — BCWS (Mandatory Credit)
A road crew awaits a potential closure along highway 4 as the Wesley Ridge wildfire burns out-of-control at Cameron Lake near Coombs, B.C., Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito
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Overview

  • On Aug. 16 the BC Wildfire Service reclassified the Wesley Ridge fire as under control, prompting the Regional District of Nanaimo to lift evacuation orders for 35 properties and alerts for 268 properties.
  • The blaze burned approximately 588 hectares and crews remain on site with 55 personnel, three pieces of heavy equipment, structure protection specialists and air support to battle remaining hotspots.
  • Officials warn that fire-weakened trees, hidden ash pits, unstable terrain and increased flood or debris-flow risks can persist long after flames are contained, and they urge residents to follow official re-entry guidance.
  • Across British Columbia about 75 wildfires remain active with four out of control, including the Mount Underwood fire near Port Alberni, which spans some 3,761 hectares and still has evacuation measures in place.
  • Forecasters predict a shift to warmer, drier weather later this week, raising concerns that changing conditions could challenge containment efforts and require resource redeployment.