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Progress being made on Maple Mountain fire, now 5.5 hectares

Contained but not extinguished, multiple crews still hard at work
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The fire that continues to burn on the west side of Maple Mountain near Crofton is estimated at about 5.5 hectares in size as of Thursday afternoon.

Seven fire departments and the BC Wildfire Service continue to battle the fire into the evening, though the situation is looking promising, according to an update from the Municipality of North Cowichan at 4 p.m.

“Fire crews and BC Wildfire Service report making good progress today and the wildfire appears to be largely contained at this time,” the update said.

Despite the containment, nearby residents remain on a 30-minute evacuation alert as a precaution.

“The evacuation alert for Osborne Bay Road East from Herd Road to Tatlo Road West continues as those residences are closest to the wildfire,” the municipality said. “Please stay on the ready as heat and wind can make wildfires unpredictable.”

Overnight, a 50-foot by 50-foot area sparked up at 3:15 a.m. but crews were able to douse the flames. Other areas of the fire continued to “smoulder and erupt sporadically,” according to an update from North Cowichan issued at noon on Thursday.

“Continue to expect smoke in the area,” the Municipality’s statement read. “The public is asked to be alert and on the looking for any new fires. If you see smoke or flames, please call 9-1-1 to report the concern and provide as detailed location information as possible to assist firefighters in locating the potential fire.”

SEE RELATED: Evacuation alert continues for Maple Mountain fire; blaze contained, but still burning

Citizens are reminded to stay clear of the area to allow for emergency crews to have the space they need.

New information from the Municipality is available at www.northcowichan.ca/FireEvent

For alerts from North Cowichan, sign up for e-alerts at www.northcowichan.ca/eAlert

RELATED: Helicopters arrive to help battle wildfire near Port Alberni

RELATED: Nanaimo Lakes wildfire growing, but crews gaining some containment

Area farmer Jennifer Woike spent Wednesday night moving horses and even a donkey to the relative safety of her property.

She and her husband Ian Woike were also called upon to deliver diesel to firefighters to maintain operation of their generators.

The Cowichan Exhibition has agreed to provide space for horses that need to be evacuated from the Maple Mountain area if necessary. For more information, contact the Ex office at 250-748-0882.

Also Wednesday, citizens began posting to Twitter what they could see, offering help and praising firefighters for their quick responses.

RELATED:No B.C. region left untouched with 462 wildfires burning

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Sarah Simpson

About the Author: Sarah Simpson

I started my time with Black Press Media as an intern, before joining the Citizen in the summer of 2004.
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