The Mount Underwood wildfire near Port Alberni has grown to 3,668 hectares, as overnight rain brought some relief but did not fully stop the blaze. The fire, first discovered on Monday, has at times shown unusually aggressive behaviour for Vancouver Island.
The B.C. Wildfire Service reported that about seven millimetres of rain fell overnight, reducing the fire to mostly a smouldering ground blaze. Officials warn that this small amount of rain will slow the fire but is not enough to extinguish it.
Meteorologist Brian Proctor of Environment Canada said an additional 10 to 20 millimetres of rain was expected Friday, with showers continuing into Saturday. Proctor added that higher humidity and continued rainfall will allow crews to gain better control of the wildfire. “We need much more rain to fully stop it,” he said, noting ongoing drought has left the ground extremely dry.
The Mount Underwood wildfire has already disrupted the region. Power and main road access to Bamfield have been cut off. Parks Canada has begun limiting visits to the West Coast Trail in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve to ensure safety.
BC Hydro spokesperson Saudamini Raina said the company hopes to begin damage assessments once cleared by the B.C. Wildfire Service. She noted that restoring power could take several days to a week, depending on the condition of infrastructure, debris on lines, and the stability of utility poles. Raina confirmed that additional crews from outside the region are ready to support local teams if needed.
Rainfall totals in the past 24 hours reached 17.4 millimetres, leading to minimal fire activity. Forecasts indicate another 10 to 30 millimetres may fall soon. While rain can help slow fire growth, officials caution that heavy rain may destabilize slopes, causing rockfalls or putting trees at risk of falling.
Smoke from the wildfire has prompted an air-quality statement across the region, including parts of Vancouver Island’s east coast and the Sunshine Coast on the mainland. The City of Port Alberni opened a relief centre at the Alberni Valley Multiplex for residents seeking shelter from smoke and heat.
Weather conditions remain a concern. Winds along Alberni Inlet on Saturday could dry the area and challenge firefighting efforts. Normal daytime highs in the region are about 26 C, with overnight lows near 11 C. Current temperatures are slightly cooler, in the low 20s, but Proctor warned that hotter, drier conditions could return later in the week.
As of Friday, 87 firefighting personnel were working on the Mount Underwood blaze. The operation included 11 helicopters and 14 personnel focused on protecting structures. Nearby, the Wesley Ridge wildfire near Cameron Lake, about 19 kilometres from Mount Underwood, remains held at 588 hectares.
The B.C. Wildfire Service explained that fire size reports reflect the total perimeter, not continuous flames. “Inside the outline, some spots are still burning while others are blackened ground,” officials said. This method ensures residents understand where the fire’s edge is and remain safely distant.
Rainfall and cooler weather provide some hope, but the Mount Underwood wildfire continues to pose risks. Residents are advised to stay updated on air quality, road closures, and emergency notices.
