Raging wildfire near Port Alberni expands to over 3,400 hectares, choking the area with thick smoke.
The Mount Underwood wildfire, located south of Port Alberni, BC, has been successfully contained after a period of intense firefighting efforts. The fire, which peaked at around 3,671 hectares shortly after ignition on August 11, has since stabilised and is currently estimated to be around 3,500 hectares in size [1][2].
The BC Wildfire Service, along with 64 firefighting personnel, five helicopters, structure protection crews, and a heavy equipment strike team, have been working tirelessly to control the blaze [1][3]. The efforts have been bolstered by recent rains, which have helped dampen the fire and improve air quality [3][4].
Despite the progress, an air quality advisory remains in effect for the surrounding region due to heavy smoke. The wildfire has also resulted in the closure of Bamfield Road, the main route between Bamfield and Port Alberni, and the town of Bamfield is currently without power due to the fire [1][2].
The mayor of Port Alberni, Sharie Minions, has assured the public that the fire is not expected to reach the city of Port Alberni anytime soon [1]. The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District and City of Port Alberni declared a state of emergency early on, but many alerts have since been cleared, although some road closures and local service impacts remain [1][2].
The BC Wildfire Service expects the blaze to grow on its eastern and northeastern flanks, but the fire is now under full control and monitoring and response remain active given past rapid growth and remaining hazards [2][5]. The fire is currently being held, meaning its growth is not expected to continue beyond its current size.
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