A fire on the grounds of the Duke Point Harmac forestry-products mill on Saturday prompted a large response from Nanaimo-area fire crews as well as the support of B.C. Wildfire Service firefighters and a helicopter.
Originally classified as a bush fire, Nanaimo Fire Rescue sent nine units to the 1000-block of Wave Place where the mill is located shortly before 5 p.m. on Saturday.
In a social media post late Saturday, Nanaimo Fire Rescue warned nearby residents of a low-flying helicopter and that there will be considerable smoke in the area during the response.
On Sunday, B.C. Wildfire Service’s website noted that the fire — now one hectare in size — is “being held,” and is suspected to have been human-caused.