Thick smoke rises from the Mount Underwood fire, burning south of Port Alberni, B.C., on August 12. CBC
A fast-moving wildfire near Port Alberni, B.C., has more than doubled in size in under a day. The Mount Underwood fire, just over 10 kilometres south of the city, reached almost 14.5 square kilometres by Tuesday evening. The city has about 19,000 residents.
Evacuations and Alerts
Officials evacuated 300 people from a campground and marina on Monday. The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District issued a new evacuation order Tuesday for parts of the Mount Underwood area, including Bamfield and Cherry Creek. They warned that the fire is blocking Bamfield Main Road, making it impassable.
Later Tuesday, an evacuation alert was issued for areas north of the original zone. A local state of emergency was also declared. A reception centre opened at the Alberni Athletic Hall for evacuees. Officials confirmed 50 affected properties, most used for recreation or long-term camping.
In the Cowichan Lake area, five homes received evacuation orders Tuesday afternoon. Residents needing help were directed to the Cowichan Lake Sports Arena.
Power Outages and Road Closures
The wildfire knocked out electricity for more than 500 customers in Bamfield. Officials warned the outage could last at least 72 hours. Residents were urged to prepare emergency kits and check on neighbours.
The road between Bamfield and Port Alberni remains closed in both directions. Drivers must use the Cowichan route if travelling to Bamfield.
Extreme Fire Behaviour
The blaze started Monday and spread quickly — from 50 hectares at 7 p.m. to 630 hectares by 10 p.m. It grew to 859 hectares Tuesday morning and reached 1,391 hectares by the afternoon. Crews reported Rank 4 and Rank 5 fire behaviour, with flames reaching treetops.
Experts say such aggressive fire activity is unusual for Vancouver Island. The region’s normally moderating ocean winds have not slowed the blaze. Dry conditions since late June, steep slopes, and strong inlet winds have fuelled rapid growth.
Community Impact
Bamfield and the nearby Huu-ay-aht First Nations community of Anacla are accustomed to limited road access but now face the added challenge of extended power loss. Local leaders stressed the importance of being ready to stay in place for several days if necessary.
Protection Efforts and Forecast
Crews set up structural protection for campgrounds, mills, and log-sorting sites. Weather forecasts predict wind and rain, which could influence fire behaviour. The fire’s cause is still under investigation.
This blaze follows the recent Wesley Ridge wildfire near Nanaimo, which has now been brought under control but still has resources on site.
