Out-of-control wildfire closes Highway 4

Highway 4 was closed Tuesday evening due to the out-of-control Cameron Bluffs wildfire east of Port Alberni, as ground and air crews tackled the blaze burning over 109 hectares in rugged, steep terrain.

Drivers should expect long delays because a detour is not available, the Transportation Ministry said in a statement.

The closure is near Koen Road, west of Cameron Lake, which is located about 15 kilometres east of Port Alberni. Highway 4 runs from Qualicum Beach to Port Alberni, Ucluelet and Tofino.

Emergency signs and trafficcontrol workers were set up to warn motorists of the closure.

Information checkpoints for drivers are being set up at Lake Cowichan, in Coombs near the Port Alberni Visitors’ Centre, and at Chatsworth Road, east of Whiskey Creek.

Highway 4 was closed, reopened and shut down again earlier in the day.

Drivers are being cautioned not to stop and watch the fire and to look out for traffic-control officials.

Ground crews have been working on getting control lines in place around the Cameron fire.

Three helicopters carried buckets of waters to the fire. An air tanker, two skimmers — planes that scoop up water while moving — and a bird dog plane, which helps to co-ordinate the aircraft, were working Tuesday as well, said Kimberly Kelly, fire information officer with the Coastal Fire Centre.

The fire is classified as a rank two, meaning it is on the surface, there are visible and inconsistent flames around it, and it is spreading slowly.

The Newcastle fire, 5.6 kilometres north of Sayward, north of Campbell River, is being held at 208 hectares.

Campfires are now banned on Vancouver Island and the central coast. The ban will remain in effect until the end of October unless it is rescinded.

The ban applies to public and private land.

For up-to-date highway information, go to DriveBC.ca.