Lightning strikes left at least burning on Vancouver Island Friday and it’s expected that more will be identified in the coming days.
Christi Howes, spokesperson for the Coastal Fire Centre, said more fires are expected, as “lightning-caused fires can smolder for hours and even days before they appear.”
A spot fire is less than 0.01 hectares, or 10 metres by 10 metres, in size. Most of the new fires are located mid-Island near Strathcona Provincial Park, including three at Upper Campbell Lake and three near Buttle Lake. One is located in the South Island near the East Robertson River, south of Lake Cowichan.
A string of large lightning events ignited fires across the Coastal Fire Service region, which includes Vancouver Island.
Howes said sa国际传媒 Wildfire Service crews have been assigned to the spot fires and are patrolling by foot and helicopter throughout the day to determine the response and locate any additional fires.
“Crews have been assigned to these incidents and are either actioning, exploring accessibility options for remote locations with difficult terrain, or are actively assessing,” she said.
A two-hectare wildfire burning in Strathcona park that ignited Aug. 14 is still being classified as out of control by the wildfire service. Located northeast of Burman Lake and in close proximity to Golden Hinde, it’s the Island’s biggest wildfire, and is being fought by air and ground crews.
The sa国际传媒 Wildfire Service said that because of its location and proximity to “extreme cliffs,” the area is difficult to access.
“There’s heavy smoke in the valley,” Howes said. “We’re monitoring and assessing continually.”
Another five wildfires burning on the Island are considered under control: a 0.03-hectare fire near Skutz Falls Roads, two spot fires on the mid-Island, and two spot fires between Nitinat Lake and Barkley Sound.
The public can help identify wildfires using the free , which includes a “Report a Fire” function that generates map co-ordinates and allows users to upload a photo.
“A picture tell us a lot,’ Howes said. “It really helps us to better assess public reports and prioritize resources.”
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— With files from Darron Kloster
