Update Friday, 2:30 p.m.
The wildfire burning past Port Mellon and Dogpatch is now been deemed under control by BC Wildfire Service. The fire was described as out of control for much of yesterday afternoon and night.
Today, Aug. 9, BC Wildfire Service describes the wildfire as "being held," which means "it is projected, based on fuel and weather conditions and resource availability, to remain within the current perimeter, control line or boundary."
In an email to Coast Reporter, BC Wildfire Service said at this point, crews may finish establishing control lines, conduct fuel management activities and mop-up (extinguishing a fire after it has been brought under control).
As of 2:30 p.m., there were 14 firefighters still responding to the fire, along with three operational field staff. Planes and helicopters were also used to fight the flames. (See photo gallery.).
As for the cause, the service says “wildfire investigations often take time and can be very complex. Investigations may be carried out by one or more agencies, including the BC Wildfire Service, the Compliance and Enforcement Branch, the RCMP, or other law enforcement agencies, and may be cross jurisdictional.”
The fire is still described as being one hectare in size.
Update Friday, 9 a.m.
According to BC Wildfire Service there were no values at risk as of 8:45 a.m., Aug. 9. -- and no threats to infrastructure or structures.
The service noted it’s a very small fire, just highly visible.
Both photographer Martin Davis and Gibsons resident Wesley Alessandro Progano shared their photos of the planes and helicopters fighting the blaze yesterday afternoon and evening. See gallery attached.
Original story
A wildfire at Plowden Bay, which is located just past Port Mellon and Dogpatch, has already spread to more than one hectare. According the BC Wildfire Service, the fire was first reported at around 4:30 p.m. this afternoon.
According to one report, the fire has caused the evacuation of non-essential mill workers from the Howe Sound Pulp and Paper Mill on Port Mellon Highway. A person answering the phone at the mill, was not able to comment when asked to verify.
A reporter for the Coast Reporter counted at least seven planes responding to the blaze, including several water bombers.
At this time, there are no current evacuation orders or alerts in place. For the latest evacuation information, contact your local authority.
The fire is described by the BC WildFire Service as “out of control,” which is described by the service as “a wildfire that is spreading or it is anticipated to spread beyond the current perimeter, or control line.”
The Coast Reporter will continue to update this story as it unfolds.
