A wildfire near Port Alberni, British Columbia, has been downgraded, leaving the province without any significant active fires. The Mount Underwood wildfire, which prompted evacuations and a local state of emergency last week, lost its fire-of-note classification on Thursday. Officials said the fire is no longer “especially visible” or a threat to public safety after receiving 40 millimetres of rain over the past week.
The B.C. Wildfire Service announced the fire was being held a day earlier, meaning it was not expected to expand beyond its current size of 35 square kilometres. The last time the province had no fires of note was from July 10 to 30. The classification reflects public impact and does not affect firefighting resources.
The wildfire initially grew aggressively after it was discovered on August 11, forcing the sudden evacuation of a nearby campground and several other areas. Most evacuation orders have been lifted, but the road between Port Alberni and Bamfield remains closed. Local communities face challenges obtaining propane for generators, as some truck drivers are refusing to travel an alternative forestry road.
The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council warned that the closure threatens the water system for the Ditidaht community, which relies on propane. John Jack, chair of the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District and chief councillor for the Huu-ay-aht First Nation, said work is underway to make the alternate route safer for larger vehicles. He emphasized that truck drivers’ willingness to use the route is critical.
The wildfire damaged about six kilometres of B.C. Hydro power lines. More than 500 customers remain without electricity, but the utility reported progress and expects to restore power sooner than the original August 30 target. Jack said residents near the fire are relieved but remain frustrated by the road closure. He stressed that emergencies can disrupt access and power and urged households to maintain at least 72 hours of emergency supplies. The regional district is also considering requesting provincial relief for businesses that lost income due to fire closures.
Forests Minister Ravi Parmar thanked fire and emergency crews for protecting nearby communities. B.C. currently has about 60 active wildfires, with two burning out of control in remote northeastern areas. No evacuation orders or alerts are in place for these fires.
The B.C. Wildfire Service warned of a warming and drying trend across the province. Sunny skies, higher temperatures, and low humidity are expected to continue into next week. Temperatures may reach the high 30s in southern regions and mid-to-upper 20s in the north. Officials said the hot, dry weather could cause forest fuels to dry quickly and increase fire risk.
