An out-of-control wildfire burning near Cameron Lake on Vancouver Island is expected to produce visible smoke for weeks or even months, according to the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS). The Wesley Ridge wildfire, discovered on July 31, has proven difficult to contain due to rugged terrain, limited water access, and persistent drought conditions.
Smoke Expected for the Long Term
BCWS officials report that the fire’s location along steep slopes will likely cause smoke to remain a visible feature of the landscape for an extended period. While some residents have expressed concern over potential impacts to local infrastructure, crews do not anticipate the fire reaching Highway 4, the main transportation route connecting communities on both sides of the island.
Operations section chief Beau Michaud said the public will continue to see smoke at the ridge line “for the coming weeks, and potentially the coming months.” The long-lasting smoke is expected to result from ongoing smoldering in difficult-to-reach forested areas, where fire can burn slowly in organic materials even after active flames have subsided.
Challenging Terrain Slows Firefighting Efforts
Firefighting crews are facing significant challenges due to the steep and uneven terrain of Wesley Ridge. Many areas are inaccessible to heavy equipment, forcing crews to rely on hand tools and chainsaws to carve out fire lines.
Arlen Kanary, operations branch director, noted that while crews have opened old logging roads and created temporary helicopter landing pads to improve access, the landscape still limits the use of machinery. This means much of the containment work must be done manually, requiring additional time and resources.
Limited Water Supply Complicates Containment
Persistent drought in the region has created another obstacle. The mountain slopes where the fire is burning have little to no natural water sources. Crews have been transporting water using tenders and aircraft, which adds complexity to the firefighting effort.
- Water tenders – moving large volumes from distant sources to staging areas
- Helicopters – delivering water to inaccessible slopes
- Portable tanks – placed strategically to supply ground crews
According to Kanary, the combination of steep slopes, dense vegetation, and limited water availability has turned the Wesley Ridge wildfire into a prolonged operation. BCWS plans to maintain a presence on-site for the foreseeable future to ensure the fire does not spread further.
Current Status of the Fire
As of the latest update, the fire covers an estimated 5.9 square kilometres, a slight increase from the previous day’s 5.8 square kilometres. The recent growth occurred in a remote section of the fire perimeter, away from populated areas. However, officials warn that rising temperatures could increase smoke production and influence fire behaviour in the coming days.
Fire information officer Madison Dahl confirmed that the cause of the fire is still under investigation but is suspected to be human-caused. Investigators are continuing to gather evidence to determine the specific circumstances that led to ignition.
Evacuation Orders and Community Impact
The Regional District of Nanaimo has been working on a plan to lift most of the evacuation orders currently in place. Residents in some areas may be allowed to return home as early as August 11, although certain zones will remain restricted until it is safe to do so. Officials caution that even after evacuation orders are lifted, smoke and firefighting activity will remain in the area.
For residents and visitors, the BCWS advises monitoring local air quality reports, especially for individuals with respiratory conditions. While the fire is not currently threatening major transportation routes, drivers should remain alert for potential short-term closures on Highway 4 if conditions change.
While the Fire Burns
While the Wesley Ridge wildfire presents ongoing challenges, the BC Wildfire Service is continuing to adapt its strategy to the unique conditions of the site. Crews are prioritizing containment along accessible flanks while using aerial resources to manage more remote sections of the fire. The combination of rugged terrain, low water availability, and hot summer temperatures means that full containment could take considerable time.
Residents can expect to see firefighting personnel, helicopters, and support vehicles operating in the region for weeks to come. The extended smoke presence is also likely to remain a part of the Vancouver Island skyline for much of the late summer and potentially into the fall.
As BCWS works toward containment, officials emphasize the importance of public cooperation with evacuation notices and safety advisories. The Wesley Ridge wildfire serves as a reminder of the challenges of wildfire management in British Columbia’s diverse landscapes—and the persistence required to protect both communities and ecosystems.