A recent update on August 5, 2025, reveals a new evacuation alert has been issued for the Wesley Ridge wildfire on Vancouver Island. The wildfire, which has been raging out of control, has expanded to 511 hectares as of Monday. Discovered last Thursday by the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS), the Wesley Ridge fire is situated on the north banks of Cameron Lake, approximately 50 kilometers northwest of Nanaimo, B.C.
During a press conference on Monday, BCWS fire information officer Madison Dahl mentioned that there was minimal growth overnight. Currently, an evacuation order remains in place for 387 residences in the affected area, mandating immediate evacuation. Additionally, 235 properties are under an evacuation alert, requiring residents to be prepared to leave at short notice.
At the same press conference, Christina Crabtree, the emergency operations centre director for the Regional District of Nanaimo, stated that no structural losses have been reported. Response efforts to the fire involve 164 personnel, including ground firefighters, over 80 structure protection specialists and teams, and eight helicopters. Various fire departments, including those from Dashwood and Coombs, are also actively engaged in the response.
Due to smoky conditions, visibility in the area is limited, and updates on the fire’s size will be provided as conditions allow. While Highway 4 remains open, the B.C. Ministry of Transportation has advised travelers between Parksville and Port Alberni to be cautious of potential sudden changes that could lead to delays. Traffic personnel are on standby to manage any necessary alterations to traffic flow as the BCWS combats the Wesley Creek blaze.
The suspected cause of the Wesley Ridge fire is believed to be human-related, as indicated by the BCWS. Across the province, there are currently 138 active wildfires being monitored by the BCWS.
Community members have rallied together to support evacuees during this challenging time. Joanne Trofanenko, a resident of Courtenay, B.C., offered assistance via a Comox Valley Facebook group, connecting evacuees with various resources such as shelter, transportation, and pet boarding services. Trofanenko highlighted that nearly 200 individuals in the Comox Valley have volunteered to help, emphasizing the strong sense of community spirit.
Similarly, Ari Buttenham from Coombs, B.C., has been providing free towing assistance to community members, aiming to safeguard trailers, tiny homes, and personal assets. Buttenham expressed gratitude for the community’s unity and support during this emotional period, where many individuals are at risk of losing their hard-earned belongings.