A cluster of new wildfires has been reported across northern Vancouver Island, including several fires in the region north of Gold River and additional lightning-caused fires near Sayward.
Three new wildfires were discovered Friday evening in the Sayward area, contributing to a total of nine active wildfires reported across Vancouver Island at the time. The fires were believed to have been sparked by lightning during recent thunderstorms.
The new activity came just a day after four other small wildfires were discovered north of Gold River.
According to reports, the four fires north of Gold River were discovered Thursday, Aug. 13. Three were clustered in the area north of Gold Muchalat Park, while another was located between Gold Muchalat Park and Strathcona Provincial Park. Each was estimated at approximately 0.009 hectares.
All four Gold River-area fires were listed as out of control by the BC Wildfire Service. The fires were in relatively remote terrain, and wildfire crews and aircraft were being used to assess and respond to the new starts. Reports identified lightning as the suspected cause of the three fires in the Gold River area, while the cause of the fourth remained under investigation.
The concentration of new fires follows a period of thunderstorms and dry lightning across parts of Vancouver Island. While many of the newly reported fires remain very small, their locations in forested areas are being closely monitored because conditions remain favourable for fire growth.
The latest activity also adds to a growing number of fires being tracked across the Island. At the time of the reports, two other Vancouver Island wildfires were listed as being held, while the new starts near Gold River and elsewhere remained under active monitoring.
For residents in Sayward and surrounding communities, the developments are a reminder that lightning can create new wildfire starts well after a storm has passed. Smoke or a wildfire spotted in the backcountry should be reported promptly to the BC Wildfire Service.
The situation remains fluid, with wildfire conditions and fire status subject to change as crews assess the new incidents.
