Wildfire Burning Near Sayward The Largest So Far For Vancouver Island This Fire Season

BC Wildfire Service still working on the Newcastle Creek Fire located about 5.5 km west of Sayward.

The human caused fire was first reported Monday afternoon.

BC Wildfire said 30 firefighters were tending to the blaze which, at this point, was not threatening critical infrastructure or homes and there were no evacuation orders.

Classified as out of control, the blaze is the biggest wildfire on the Island so far this fire season, which began April 1.

The Village of Sayward and Strathcona Regional District have activated a regional Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and updates are being shared via SRD’s Alertable notification system. 

All residents of the region are encouraged to sign up for notifications at srd.ca/alerts 

Communities in the Strathcona Regional District may be experiencing various levels of wildfire smoke from the Newcastle Creek wildfire.

There is a Special Air Quality Statement, or Smokey Skies Bulletin, in effect for the region, will be updated later today.

Currently, there are not any Air Quality Warnings issued, but if changes occur, residents will receive an alert via Alertable.  

In the Alertable app settings, ensure you have turned on the air quality notification under “health.”

The Strathcona Regional District recommends residents keep an eye on family, friends, classmates and others - especially those with chronic health conditions - for signs of illness and ensure everyone drinks plenty of water.