Information will be updated when possible.
Aircraft requires 24/7 access to Cameron Lake, Horne Lake, and Spider Lake. Please do not interfere with accessibility, no drones, boats keep to shore. See bottom of page for more details.
Those affected by the Wesley Ridge wildfire – information and resources, and support:
Emergency Operations Call Centre at 250-390-6538
Frequently Asked Questions: LINK
Facebook Group “Wesley Ridge Fire Support and Accommodations” – community members offering support to first responders and evacuees, including places to stay.
Fire Updates:
- BC WildFire Service: Website | Facebook |Instagram
- RDN – Regional District of Nanaimo: Website | Facebook
- Emergency Info BC: Website
- Nanaimo News Now: Website | Facebook
- Voyent Alert: Register HERE
Choose how to receive alerts – mobile app, email, text message or phone call. - Highway Updates: Drive BC
- Air Quality Health Index (AQHI): BC Air Quality
- Updates on fire weather and smoke across Canada: FireSmoke Canada
Local Volunteer Fire Departments Facebook Pages for their updates:
- Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department
- Errington Volunteer Fire Department
- Coombs-Hilliers Volunteer Fire Department
- Bow Horn Bay Fire Department
- Qualicum Beach Fire Rescue
- Parksville Fire Rescue
Evacuation Resources:
Need help evacuating, transportation assistance, or support for a medical condition worsened by smoke, and not in the evacuation zone?
Call the Emergency Operations Call Centre at 250-390-6538 for assistance
What to do once you’ve safely left your property:
Register Online: ess.gov.bc.ca
Call: 1-800-387-4258
In person: The Qualicum Beach Civic Centre reception centre at 747 Jones Street
This is where evacuees can receive and access information, resources and eligible support.
Reception area: The Qualicum Beach Civic Centre (747 Jones St).
This is where evacuees can receive and access information, resources and eligible support.
More info about the Reception Centre HERE.
They have a mobile pet support unit. More Pet information HERE – scroll to page 4.
What to bring when evacuating:
• Government-issued ID
• Insurance and financial documents
• Medications and medical supplies
• Pet supplies (food, water, leashes, carriers, medications)
• Irreplaceable personal items (e.g., family photos)
• Emergency supplies (flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, water)
Protect Your Home Before Leaving (if safe to do so):
• Close all windows and doors
• Cover vents
• Remove flammable materials from around your property
• Turn off utilities if instructed
• Leave a light on inside to help fire crews locate your home
From BC Wildfire Service: Boats in Sight Delay our Flight
Aircraft need plenty of space to safely and quickly collect water from rivers and lakes to help fight fires. If firefighting aircraft are nearby, clear the area and stay near the shore to avoid interfering with firefighting operations.
Recreational boaters or people using other watercraft who try to get a close-up look at the aircraft present a serious safety risk to air crews, themselves and anyone else in the area. This behaviour also affects our ability to fight a fire or practice safely, since aircraft cannot collect water when a boat is in the intended flight path. Boat wakes can also pose a danger to water scooping aircraft. Interference with firefighting operations is not only dangerous, it also violates the Wildfire Act.
Wildfires of note are a designation for an incident that is creating an increased level of interest. This designation makes it easier to find and access response information on the wildfire map.
THANK YOU to all the firefighting crews, support teams, and anyone who is helping in whatever way they can.
Thank you to the RDN for the resource information.
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