Wildfire near Port McNeill slowing, but only 10 per cent contained

The BC Wildfire Service says an 80-hectare blaze burning out of control on northern Vancouver Island has slowed slightly in the last 24 hours, but is still only 10 per cent contained.

The Kaikash Creek wildfire, about 35 kilometres southeast of Port McNeill, was discovered Tuesday.

Four helicopters, 22 firefighters and four pieces of heavy equipment are working to contain it. 

Firefighters successfully used a controlled burn in a Timber West cut block to keep the fire from spreading rapidly.

Video circulating on Facebook showing flames shooting from a large swath of trees is actually footage of the controlled burn, according to the wildfire service.

The cause of the blaze, which is Vancouver Island’s largest so far this year, is still under investigation.

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  A fire at Kaikash Creek, roughly 35 kilometres southeast of Port McNeill, was discovered on Tuesday and has since grown to 80 hectares in size. Aug. 10, 2017. (BC Wildfire Service)