Officials say out-of-control wildfire on Vancouver Island will cause more smoke

VICTORIA — An out-of-control wildfire on Vancouver Island has grown "minimally" in size, but is expected to generate more smoke.

Madison Dahl, fire information officer with the BC Wildfire Service, said in a media update Saturday that the Wesley Ridge fire near Cameron Lake has grown "minimally" to 5.8 square kilometres from 5.71 square kilometres Friday morning, with the growth limited to steep backcountry.

But as temperatures continue to rise through the weekend, residents can expect to see more smoke in the area, Dahl said, adding that the current hot and dry conditions are expected to persist over the next few days.

"We anticipate smoke in the forecast, as the fire behaviour increases with heat, and consumes the available fuels," she said.

Dahl said 197 firefighters and firefightin