A wildfire on Bald Mountain is drawing a firefighting response Thursday, with a helicopter assisting crews tackling flames in rugged terrain above Cowichan Lake. The fire is burning on the western side of Bald Mountain, on the peninsula at the lake’s eastern end. It was discovered Thursday and is currently estimated at 0.57 hectares. The steep landscape is making the response more difficult, with the helicopter supporting firefighters on the ground. The aircraft may be visible to people living around the peninsula as crews continue their work. Smoke can also be seen from Honeymoon Bay and other nearby communities. For now, officials say the fire is not putting public safety or critical infrastructure at risk. There are no area restrictions associated with the incident. B.C. Wildfire Service has identified a human source as the suspected cause. That does not indicate whether the fire was accidental or deliberate, and the circumstances surrounding its start remain under investigation. The fire’s status may change as crews continue to assess conditions and work to contain it. CTV News Vancouver Island will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.
