Fire crews battle small wildfire in regional park near Victoria

Fire crews are battlinga small wildfire at a regional park inLangford, B.C., on Vancouver Island.

The fire at Mill Hill Regional Park was two hectares in size as of Tuesday eveningand burning uphill, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service. The cause of the fire is unknown.

The service said 11of its crew members are helping firefighters combat the fire, along with support from three helicopters and air tankers.

Langford Fire Rescue is asking people to stay away from the area around the parkand says no structures are under threat.

Regional authorities say the park is closed and beach access is limited withinnearby Thetis Lake Regional Park.

Photos on Twitter showed smoke billowing over the region and helicopters dumping water on the fire.

The region'sfire centre is also banning most open fires across south coastal B.C.as of Friday at noon PT.

Coastal Fire Centre sayscampfires will still be allowed. It says the ban applies to all public and private land, andis meant to reduce wildfire risk.

Anyone who violates the ban is subject to a $1,150 fine.