Cortes Radio News update – Earlier reports that Read Island’s wildfire was only 3 hectares were incorrect. More accurate mapping shows it actually spreads over 8 hectares. BC Wildfire spokesperson Jeanne Larsen says there is reason to hope the status will soon be downgraded but, technically speaking, after three days of intense fighting the Read Island fire is still out of control.

“If everything goes well today they are hoping, and that is not confirmed, they are hoping to change the status. That is entirely dependant on what happens today … they haven’t quite filled all the parameters, to move the status from ‘out of control’ to ‘being held’ … It might even go right down to amber control,” she said. 

Larsen once again confirmed that no buildings are threatened.

She explains earlier reports that the Read Island fire was only three hectares in extent in terms of inaccurate mapping.

“Initially when the crews got on site fire activity was such that they could not get in the back end of that fire. Now that .. fallers have cleaned out all the dangerous trees etcetera, crew have gone in there. They have remapped it. It is estimated at eight hectares. It hasn’t grown and it hasn’t shrunk … That’s what it has been the last couple of days. They have just been able to map it better.”

The situation had not changed, by the time I checked in again at 3 PM. Larsen hopes she will have news tonight or tomorrow morning.

Photo Credit: View Of Read Island by Bob Katzko