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.

Nearly 400 properties on Vancouver Island, as well as a provincial park, have been ordered evacuated due to a wildfire burning out of control. The Regional District of Nanaimo expanded its evacuation order related to the fire burning on the north banks of Cameron Lake, about 60 kilometres from the City of Nanaimo.

Firefighters continue to battle the Wesley Ridge wildfire near Cameron Lake, with 142 BC Wildfire Service personnel hard at work, supported by local fire departments. The fire is considered out of control and remains at 389 hectares in size,