The forest fire west of Sayward has grown from 160 to 208 hectares, according to the latest update from the B.C. Wildfire Service.
Believed to be human caused, the fire started on May 29 in the Newcastle Creek area, just 5 kilometres west of the tiny village on Vancouver Island.
“The smoke has dissipated, allowing the opportunity to establish a more accurate perimeter line,” said Wildfire Service Information Officer Kimberly Kelly. “Fire crews are meeting workable objectives of reinforcing natural control lines.”
Initially burning in a slash, 20 per cent of the fire is now burning in extreme slopes with hazardous working conditions, said Kelly.
“Crew members are working to develop alternative containment strategies,” said Kelly. “The immediate area, however, continues to be impacted by smoke.”
As the fire enters its sixth day, no evacuation notices are in order at this time, and the fire continues to not be a threat to Sayward’s infrastructure or residential homes.