The Mount Underwood wildfire near Port Alberni on Vancouver Island has expanded rapidly to 13.9 square kilometres. This is almost three times larger than the initial size reported late Monday. The fire has prompted evacuation orders and road closures, affecting local communities and services.
The BC Wildfire Service has classified the fire as a “fire of note” due to its rapid growth and significant impact. The blaze has cut off the main highway between Port Alberni and Bamfield, a community about 90 kilometres southwest of Port Alberni. Officials have closed the road and urged people to avoid traveling to Bamfield by any means.
BC Wildfire Service fire information officer Christi Howes said, “We don’t want to add any extra pressure to the community by having more people trying to get there by road or trail.” Bamfield is a well-known spot for tourists who enjoy sport fishing and hiking the West Coast Trail, but access is now limited due to the wildfire.
The fire also forced an evacuation order for the China Creek Campground and Marina. This area has about 250 tent and RV campsites and lies roughly 15 kilometres southwest of Port Alberni. Many campers had to leave their sites quickly after losing power around 6:30 p.m. Monday.
Chelsea Fitzel, a camper from Ladysmith, B.C., was staying at China Creek with her family when they were ordered to evacuate. She shared how the campground staff used golf carts and loudspeakers to inform everyone to leave immediately. “The campsite is being evacuated — leave your boats, leave your trailers, get in your vehicles and go,” they announced.
Fitzel said her family had planned to stay at the campground until August 18. Her husband managed to return to the marina by boat from Port Alberni to collect their vessel. Police also allowed them a brief return to the campground to retrieve their trailer on Tuesday.
In addition to the evacuation order at China Creek, Emergency Management Cowichan issued an evacuation alert for five properties in Electoral Area F. The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District also issued an evacuation order for about 300 properties in a sparsely populated nearby area.
The situation remains serious as firefighters work to contain the Mount Underwood wildfire. Officials continue to monitor the fire’s growth and impact on communities, urging residents and visitors to stay clear of affected zones.
