Major fire at scrapyard near Nanaimo, B.C., prompts water quality warning

About50 firefighters from eightdifferent departmentsare battling a blaze at an industrial lot nearLadysmith, B.C., immediately south of the Nanaimo Airport.

However, the Cowichan Valley Regional District said the fire is now contained as wind has died down.

Crews responded to the fireon Thursday morningat a scrapyard owned by Schnitzer Steel Canada in Cassidy, just off the Trans-Canada Highway.

At its height, more than 70 firefighters were involved.

According to KrisSchumacher, manager of communications and engagement for the regional district, scrap metal and a large pile of tires wasignited by the flames, prompting concern over groundwater contamination, which he said is "highly likely."

"I would encourage people not to use their water for any circumstances right now until we have a better sense of the potential contamination," said Schumacher.

He expects the Vancouver Island Health Authority to issue a boil-water order for the surrounding area soon.

People nearby have also been asked to avoid the area due to poor air quality. The smoke billowing from the industrial lot is considered toxic, according to Schumacher.

Residents of North Oyster, Cedar and the Town of Ladysmith have been encouraged to conserve water while crews fight the fire.

"Things are looking much better than they were," Schumachersaid late Thursday afternoon. "The wind is certainly co-operating with us right now."

The B.C. Wildfire Service remains on the scene. Representatives from several government ministries, including the Ministry of Environment,are also on site, according to Schumacher.