The B.C. Wildfire Service is throwing significant resources into a fire burning about four kilometres west of Port Hardy — and is warning the public to be cautious on roads and not to fly drones in the area.
The Glenlion River Fire has spread to about four hectares since being reported Monday afternoon, and heavy smoke is visible from the town and surrounding area.
An air tanker from Campbell River has been hitting the blaze with water loads since late Monday afternoon and helicopters may be brought in to help contain the fire, said Jade Richardson, spokesperson for the Coastal Fire Region.
Water tenders are also on site and heavy equipment is on standby, she said.
About 18 firefighters are on the ground. The flames are currently considered Rank 1 and 2, which is at the low end of surface fire size, but conditions could change the fire’s behaviour, Richardson said.
“We are putting a lot of resources on it to keep it to the fire at its [current] size,” she said.
She said that because the fire is so close to an urban centre, people are being reminded not to fly drones in the area.
“We realize people are curious and may even be trying to be helpful, but drones put our air resources at risk,” Richardson said. “Many of our aircraft are carrying water and people in to fight the fire, and safety is our priority.
“If there is a drone in the area, it means we have to shut everything down and stop operations, and can’t fight the fire.”
The wildfire service is also reminding drivers that the road to Holberg is being used for staging equipment and resources. The road remains open for travel, but Richardson said heavy equipment and crews are being deployed from there.
Drivers are being advised to travel through without stopping to view the fire or staging operations.
The Glenlion fire is the only active fire on the Island that was listed as out of control as of Tuesday afternoon. There are no structures in danger in the immediate area of the fire and the cause is under investigation.
The remaining six active fires on Vancouver Island are listed as being held.
Of the 48 wildfires on the Island so far this season, 47 have been human caused, according to the wildfire service.
Historically, the most common cause of wildfire in B.C. is lightning, accounting for about 60 per cent of all wildfires every season.
When a wildfire is determined to be human-caused, natural resource officers investigate to assess whether the incident was the result of illegal activities.
People who undertake illegal activities that cause wildfires — such as having campfires during the current ban — could be found liable for wildfire suppression costs, damage to Crown forests and other forest or land resources, fines or administrative penalties and reforestation costs.
