The B.C. Wildfire Service says 'dry and crunchy' drought conditions mean a significant amount of rain is needed to help firefighting efforts over the coming days, as hundreds of people remain under evacuation order or alert.

The BC Wildfire Service says the Wesley Ridge wildfire on Vancouver Island has grown to more than 5 square kilometres as "numerous" fire departments on the island converge on the blaze to protect prop

The Wesley Ridge wildfire continues to grow and sits at 511 hectares as of 10 a.m. on Aug. 4, and is still considered out of control by BC Wildfire Service. The fire showed “limited growth” overnight, and crews continued to battle it overnight, including with helicopters using night vision technology, according to BC Wildfire Service.