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Fourth St. Bush Fire Comes Close to Homes

Three homes evacuated as a precaution

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed August 24, 2015 9:38 AM

Summary

On Friday afternoon, Nanaimo Fire Rescue responded to a large bush fire near Fourth Street and Watfield Avenue. Upon arrival, crews saw smoke and flames which were spreading rapidly and being pushed by high winds towards nearby homes. Three homes on Wheatley Place were evacuated as a precaution. Crews were able to stop the fire at property lines of homes on Wheatley Place and Hillcrest Avenue. No homes were damaged and there were no injuries.

Crews worked late into the evening cooling hot spots and returned Saturday to monitor.

The bush area is comprised of three large vacant land parcels totalling approximately 10 acres in size. The cause is suspected to be a cooking fire, as remnants of an active camp were found where the fire started. A smaller fire also occurred in this area earlier this year.

Residents are reminded that while the weather is cooling slightly, the Extreme Fire Danger rating is still in effect. Several days of heavy rain are required before the hazard is expected to change. Some rain is forecast for this weekend but it is not anticipated to affect the hazard rating.

Link to Strategic Plan: The City of Nanaimo is committed to public safety.

Key Points

  • The fire was driven by winds causing three homes to be evacuated as a precaution.
  • The cause of the fire is determined to be a cooking fire.
  • The Fire Danger rating remains extreme. Residents are encouraged to use caution.
  • Some rain is forecast for the weekend but will likely not change the fire hazard.

Quotes

"The extreme dry conditions and high winds caused this fire to spread very quickly. The winds changed direction several times and crews were fighting the fire from several sides in order to contain it. It's still really dry out here and the conditions are not expected to change any time soon."

Martin Drakeley
Assistant Chief
Nanaimo Fire Rescue
-30-

Contact:

Alan Millbank
Fire Prevention Officer
Nanaimo Fire Rescue
250-755-4562

Print News Release

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