Crowther Road wildfire response to continue into the weekend, no immediate threat to surrounding area or properties
Okeover, BC – The qathet Regional District is informing the public that fire crews will remain on site at the Crowther Road wildfire (V50401) into the weekend. This is a single residential property fire, and the fire is being actively contained and managed by fire crews on site. There is no immediate danger to surrounding property or area. Given the steepness of the terrain, and heavy smoke, the firefighters cannot safely access all areas of the property, resulting in the out-of-control status.
This is an active fire site, and the public is asked to avoid the Crowther Road area to ensure access for emergency and hydro vehicles. Some of the firefighting tactics to combat this type of fire are to utilize helicopter support and strategically allow the fire to burn out of fuel, which may result in safely allowing the fire to burn to a natural fuel break.
The qathet Regional District would like to thank the Northside Volunteer Fire Department for their response as well as thank the BC Wildfire Service, Tla’amin Nation Fire Department, Powell River Fire Rescue, and the Malaspina Volunteer Fire Department for their assistance on site. We would also like to thank the Ministry of Transportation and Transit for providing support restricting traffic in the area to keep firefighters and public safe.
“The qathet Regional District’s first priority remains maintaining the safety of our first responders, and members of the public. We recognize there is significant public interest in this wildfire and encourage residents to rely on official sources for the most current and accurate information,” said Ryan Thoms, General Manager of Emergency Services. “As the situation continues to evolve, updates may take time to confirm and share. We appreciate the community’s concern and patience and remind the public that accuracy must take precedence over immediacy when providing information. We would like to reassure the public, that in the event of a critical emergency, the qathet Regional District will provide information as quickly as possible.”
For up-to-date status of this wildfire, please visit the BC Wildfire Service Map, located at: https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/incidents?fireYear=2026&incidentNumber=V50401&source=map.
Requests for local media inquiries can be directed to Ryan Thoms, General Manager of Emergency Services.
A local update on the status of the fire will be provided on or before 12:00 p.m., Saturday, May 23, 2026 and will be posted to qathet.ca and our @qathetRD Facebook page.
About the Northside Volunteer Fire Department:
The Northside Volunteer Fire Department is operated by a small group of dedicated volunteers who give their time to train and respond to fires, emergency medical calls, and other public safety concerns in Electoral Area A which includes Lund and surrounding area.
To learn more about the Northside Volunteer Fire Department and qathet Regional District Fire Protection services, please visit qathet.ca/fire-protection-services.
About the qathet Regional District:
The qathet Regional District serves the rural areas from Lund to sḵelhp (Saltery Bay), the City of Powell River, Texada Island, Savary Island, and Lasqueti Island. The qRD provides some services, through contract, to Tla’amin Nation. To learn more please visit qathet.ca.
CONTACT:
Ryan Thoms, General Manager of Emergency Services
#202 – 4675 Marine Avenue
Powell River, BC V8A 2L2
P: 604∙485∙2260 | E: emergency@qathet.ca