MILL BAY, Canada - A wildfire that broke out near the Malahat Highway on Vancouver Island has been fully contained, while firefighters continue to battle a second, smaller blaze sparked by embers blowing across the road.
The B.C. Wildfire Service says the Bamberton East fire near Mill Bay is 1.4 hectares and in the mop-up stage, while the Bamberton West blaze on the other side of the highway is about 0.8 hectares and 20 per cent contained.
Both northbound and southbound lanes are now open after previous closures from the Bamberton exit to Mill Bay with a detour at Shawnigan Lake Road.
Twenty-six provincial firefighters, three officers, three helicopters and air tankers were assisting the Mill Bay Fire Department in containing the flames.
Fire Information Officer Marg Drysdale says firefighters will continue to work late before the blazes are monitored overnight.
The fire danger rating on the south coast of Vancouver Island is extreme, with incredibly dry and hot conditions.
