A wildfire at Plowden Bay, which is located just past Port Mellon and Dogpatch, has already spread to more than one hectare. According the BC Wildfire Service, the fire was first reported at around 4:30 p.m. this afternoon. According to one report, the fire has caused the evacuation of non-essential mill workers from the Howe Sound Pulp and Paper Mill on Port Mellon Highway. A person answering the phone at the mill, was not able to comment when asked to verify. A reporter for the Coast Reporter counted at least seven planes responding to the blaze, including several water bombers. The fire is described by the BC WildFire Service as “out of control”.