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Island's newest wildfire, near Sayward, suspected to be human-caused

The Browning Creek fire, first reported Monday, had grown to two hectares by noon on Tuesday. It is one of two fires near Sayward.
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The Newcastle Creek wildfire is one of two fires burning near Sayward on 91原创 Island. BC WILDFIRE SERVICE

Thirty-three firefighters and several aircraft are trying to contain a wildfire burning out of control south of Sayward that is suspected to be human-caused.

The Browning Creek fire, first reported Monday afternoon, had grown to two hectares by noon on Tuesday.

Abigail Herman of the B.C. Wildfire Service said the fire is burning on a slope toward the east and no structures are in danger. Firefighters are being assisted by two helicopters, a fixed-wing tanker and a water tender on the ground.

Meanwhile, the wildfire service continued to use air tankers, skimmers and helicopters to fight a wildfire in the Klanawa Valley, 19 kilometres east of Bamfield.

The fire remains out of control, but hasn’t grown from the 12 hectares reported Monday.

Fourteen firefighters on the ground are supported by helicopters, fixed-wing skimmers and land-based air tankers.

The cause of the Klanawa fire hasn’t yet been determined.

The six other fires on the Island are currently listed as held or under control.

The Tugwell Main blaze west of Sooke near Otter Point, discovered Sunday at about 9:15 p.m., burned 0.3 hectares and is now classified as being held.

Strong outflow winds are expected to bring continued hot, dry conditions that will increase the risk of fires. Temperatures could be in the high 20s in coastal regions and more than 30 C inland, according to Environment Canada

Another fire discovered Sunday near Filberg Creek in Strathcona Provincial Park is listed as under control at 0.4 hectares. The Glenlion River fire, reported June 26 and visible from Port Hardy, is also under control after burning nearly four hectares.

There have been 54 fires on 91原创 Island so far this year. All of the fires are suspected or determined to be human-caused.

In the Coastal Fire Centre region, which includes parts of the mainland and Haida Gwaii, more than 100 fires have been reported and 1,390 hectares have been burned.

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