NANAIMO — A late-August heat wave has contributed to a new wildfire start in the region.
The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) was alerted to a fire along Nanaimo Lakes Rd., west of S Forks Rd., before 9 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 24.
It grew to an estimated seven hectares in size as of early Monday morning and continues to burn out of control.
Dubbed the Boulder Creek fire, BCWS has mapped the start around five and a half kilometres due west of Extension and nearly seven kilometres from the Nanaimo Parkway by Harewood.
The approximate location of the Boulder Creek fire, southwest of Nanaimo. (BC Wildfire Service)Flames were clearly visible from areas south of Nanaimo on Sunday night.
On scene are firefighters from the East Wellington Fire Department, while provincial crews from the Coastal Fire Centre will also join.
No details about crews assigned has been confirmed by the Fire Centre yet.
Satellite maps show a limited number of homes or commercial buildings in the immediate area of the fire, however several rural properties are nearby.
More details are expected on the response and conditions at the fire later Monday.
Weather across the region is expected to be hot and dry over the coming days, with forecasted highs over 30 degrees Celsius on Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 26, cooling slightly into the mid-to-high 20s by the weekend.
Flames and smoke were easily seen through some parts of Nanaimo and areas to the south on Sunday evening. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)Subscribe to our daily news wrap. Local news delivered to your email inbox every evening. Stay up to date on everything Nanaimo and Oceanside.
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