Particle.news
Download on the App Store
7 ARTICLES
·
2h ago

Mount Underwood Wildfire Now Being Held Near Port Alberni

BC Hydro targets Aug. 30 to restore Bamfield’s power following destruction of six kilometres of lines.

Rain and smoke from the Mount Underwood wildfire can be seen from across the Alberni Inlet at the Macktush Creek Campsite, south of Port Alberni, B.C., on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

Overview

  • The BC Wildfire Service reclassified the fire as being held Wednesday evening, with growth expected to remain within an estimated 35-square-kilometre perimeter.
  • Roughly 40 mm of rain over several days reduced behaviour to a smouldering ground fire, though a warming and drying trend may make smoke more visible without prompting major spread.
  • Evacuation orders and alerts were downgraded by the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, the City of Port Alberni and the Tseshaht First Nation after earlier evacuations at China Creek Campground and Marina.
  • Bamfield remains without power and main road access as crews rebuild a six-kilometre stretch of damaged infrastructure, with BC Hydro aiming to restore electricity by Aug. 30.
  • About 170 personnel with seven helicopters and 14 pieces of heavy equipment are strengthening containment, as B.C. tracks roughly 60 active wildfires with Mount Underwood listed as the only wildfire of note.