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3w ago

Mount Underwood Wildfire Downgraded as Bamfield Power Restored, Road Still Shut

BC Hydro has restored electricity to Bamfield after rebuilding fire-damaged lines.

A burned section of forest from the Mount Underwood wildfire is seen in this handout photo, southwest of Port Alberni, B.C., on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout- BC Wildfire Service (Mandatory Credit)
A sign warns of a wildfire burning on Mount Underwood near Port Alberni, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, on August 12, 2025. The BC Wildfire Service reports the blaze has expanded to roughly 8.6 square kilometres (3.3 square miles), prompting an evacuation order from campsites. (Photo by Colby Rex O'Neill / AFP)
BC Hydro crews work to restore power to customers in Bamfield, B.C., following extensive damage caused by the Mount Underwood wildfire in this undated handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - BC Hydro (Mandatory credit)

Overview

  • The BC Wildfire Service says the Mount Underwood blaze is being held at about 35 square kilometres and is no longer classified as a fire of note after roughly 40 millimetres of rain.
  • BC Hydro reports power is back for more than 500 customers, with crews installing 63 new poles and 65 lines along a six‑kilometre stretch that included steep, unstable terrain and a temporary fix in the most challenging section.
  • Bamfield Road remains closed with no timeline to reopen as falling rocks, dangerous trees and a fire‑damaged slope keep conditions unsafe, and the province is working with Mosaic Forest Management on a reopening plan.
  • Roughly 170 personnel, seven helicopters and 14 pieces of heavy equipment continue containment and mop‑up, and officials say increased smoke may be visible during a warming, drying trend.
  • Local evacuation orders and alerts around Port Alberni have been downgraded, and provincewide about 60 wildfires remain active, with two out of control in remote northeastern B.C.