UPDATED: Wildfire service reports on blaze north of Powell River

BC Wildfire Service reported at 6:11 pm on Wednesday, July 16, that a wildfire north of Powell River is under control.

The fire near the end of Atrevida Road in Electoral Area A of qathet Regional District is 0.6 hectares in size and was discovered earlier in the day. It was first reported as being out of control at 7 am, then, at 9:04 am, as being held.

There are no current area restrictions near this incident. The wildfire service has indicated that the fire was human-caused.

Northside Volunteer Fire Department (NVFD) members arrived on scene first, requested that BC Forest Service attend the scene, then requested mutual aid from Tla’amin Fire Department. A helicopter was also dumping water. Residents in the Wildwood neighbourhood reported the smell of smoke in the air.

"Under control" means a wildfire is not projected to spread beyond the current perimeter, according to the BC Wildfire Service. "Being held" refers to a wildfire that is projected, based on fuel and weather conditions and resource availability, to remain within the current perimeter, control line or boundary. "Out of control" refers to a wildfire that is spreading or is anticipated to spread beyond the current perimeter, or control line. 

The fire was reported at 3:23 am by members of the public, whose prompt action helped initiate a coordinated emergency response, according to a media release from qathet Regional District (qRD) at 2:32 pm.

“Thanks to quick reporting from the public and incredible collaboration with our esteemed colleagues within the Tla’amin Nation Fire Department and the BC Wildfire Service, we were quickly able to get this fire under control and hold it,” stated NVFD chief Jim Brown. “Due to steep terrain and dangerous trees present, emergency response crews will be on site for the remainder of the day. Growth of the fire is not expected at this time.”

BC Hydro was also on site, monitoring infrastructure and assisting where necessary, the release stated.

“This was a close call, but ultimately a good news story,” stated Ryan Thoms, qRD's general manager of emergency services. “We’re grateful for the public’s quick reporting and for the mutual aid provided by the Tla’amin Nation Fire Department and BC Wildfire crews.

"This incident is a clear reminder that we are well into wildfire season, and everyone must remain alert while enjoying the outdoors. With a full campfire and open burning prohibition taking effect on July 17 across the Coastal Fire Centre, we urge the public to follow all fire regulations, and report any fires to 911.”

Tla’amin Nation is asking the public to enter the Governance House parking lot with caution and leave lots of room for emergency vehicles that are coming and going as they provide mutual aid to the NVFD in tackling the fire. The public is asked to avoid the Atrevida Road area to ensure access for emergency and hydro vehicles.

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