The Mt. Hayes wildfire grew substantially overnight, but away from any structures and not directly in line with a Fortis BC natural gas site. (submitted photo/Erik Burkitt)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

OUT OF CONTROL

Mt. Hayes wildfire triples in size overnight, sprawling 70 hectares southwest of Nanaimo Airport

Aug 20, 2021 | 8:33 AM

NANAIMO — The Mount Hayes fire burning southwest of Nanaimo airport is continuing to grow.

The fire, which was listed at 20 hectares the evening of Thursday, Aug. 19, ballooned to 70 hectares by the morning of Friday, Aug. 20, according to the Coastal Fire Centre.

Overnight growth occurred downslope which means the fire is burning away from structures as it grows. The BC Wildfire Service map shows the fire burning in a south-west direction.

“We have approximately 30 firefighters, three pieces of heavy equipment, three helicopters and two water tenders,” Gordon Robinson, fire information officer, said. “We’re expecting some more heavy equipment (Friday) as well. We had some air tanker support (Thursday) laying down some retardant lines and we’re anticipating when conditions allow to get some more air tanker support from the Mainland.”

Robinson said the fire is still considered a rank two or three, with visible flames and trees ablaze. He added the area of the fire is a mixture of logging slash and partially regenerated forest.

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The current course of the fire avoids direct contact with a nearby piece of Fortis BC natural gas infrastructure, however the Coastal Fire Centre is watching it closely.

The Cowichan Valley Regional District issued an evacuation order for the Fortis BC site on Thursday night, at the same time as declaring a local state of emergency for Area H.

Sean Beardow, manager of corporate communication for Fortis BC, said they’re watching the situation closely and have essential personnel still at the facility.

“We have a number of contingency plans in place for fire scenarios. We work closely with local fire departments, the facility itself has a range of on site fire control and response equipment in place.”

Growth of the fire overnight did not further threaten the Fortis facility, with Beardow saying it remains around 1.5 to 2 kilometres away.

A map of the affect area from the Mt. Hayes wildfire, burning away from residential and farm areas. (BC Wildfire Service/Google Maps)

Several residents adjacent to the fire began to take precautionary action on Thursday afternoon, by moving large animals and livestock from their farms.

Ground crews continue to action the fire with support from heavy equipment, air tankers and helicopters.

An initial attack crew of 10 Coastal Fire Centre officers were supported by a contract team of eight on late Thursday. More ground resources were expected to arrive early Friday morning.

Four helicopters, two water tenders and air tankers remained on scene until sunset and returned Friday morning to continue efforts from the skies.

Aerial efforts to suppress the fire have impacted operations at Nanaimo Airport.

Brandon Wiebe, airport operations director, said Transport Canada issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) on Thursday, which is restricting traffic at the airport from sunrise to sunset.

Two Air Canada flights, one late Thursday night and another early Friday morning, were able to depart however the majority were cancelled.

He noted smoke is blowing away from the airport and is not directly responsible for any operational issues at the airport.

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