The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) says a new, out-of-control wildfire is burning south of Port Alberni Monday night, and latest updates show the blaze is growing quickly.
The Mount Underwood wildfire is in an area near China Creek, with the BCWS saying around 9:50 p.m. Aug. 11 that the fire had already grown to 630 hectares in size.
The highway is now closed between Port Alberni and Bamfield, while nearby China Creek Regional Park and Campground “is being evacuated,” according to the BCWS.
BC Hydro says the fire has caused a power outage impacting more than 500 customers in the Nahmint, Sarita and Bamfield areas, with crews working to get it restored.
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An out-of-control fire is a wildfire that is spreading or is anticipated to spread beyond the current perimeter or control line, the BCWS says on its website.
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Many people in the area are reaching out to CHEK News, reporting large plumes of smoke. Photos show the smoke visible from as far away as B.C.’s mainland.
“Smoke is visible from surrounding communities,” the BCWS says.
“…and due to terrain and proximity, may appear to be coming from the Wesley Ridge wildfire when viewed from the north and east.”
The fire is approximately 12 kilometres south of Port Alberni and 19 kilometres southwest of the Wesley Ridge wildfire, the BCWS says.
It says various firefighting personnel, including four helicopters and one airtanker, are responding to the fire, which is displaying Rank 4 and 5 fire behaviour.
(BCWS)
“Night vision-equipped helicopters are actioning the fire overnight, and structural protection specialists are on scene,” the wildfire service says.
“I know the China Creek Wildfire situation is unsettling to watch evolve,” said Port Alberni Mayor Sharie Minions. “The ACRD (Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District) is opening an Emergency Operation Centre to monitor and respond to the situation.”
Minions says people can visit the ACRD Emergency Program Facebook page for updates, and stresses the importance of registering for the Voyant Alert emergency system. Residents will receive notifications via text, email or phone when doing so.
“Take care of each other. Check in with one another,” said John Jack, Chief Councillor at Huu-ay-aht First Nations, in a video post on his Facebook page.
“Everyone needs to really just come together and support one another.”
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A post on the China Creek Campground Facebook page around 8:30 p.m. Monday says due to the fire nearby, the campground and marina have been “safely evacuated.”
It goes on to say that campground staff “will monitor along with the ACRD (regional district) to provide updates as soon as we have accurate information to share.”
According to the Port Alberni-based Tseshaht First Nation, fire crews are requesting that people “stay away from the Bamfield Main area to allow them to do their work.”
In a Facebook post just before 9 p.m., the nation urges members in the Polly’s Point/Tiipis area to “please continue ot remain calm and ensure you have a grab and go bag at the ready in case it’s needed.” Follow the nation’s Facebook page for updates.
“A friendly reminder to ensure you are receiving information from verified sources.”
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The BCWS says the cause of the fire is under investigation.
“Wildfire investigations often take time and can be very complex. Investigations may be carried out by one or more agencies, including the BC Wildfire Service, the Compliance and Enforcement Branch, the RCMP, or other law enforcement agencies, and may be cross-jurisdictional,” reads a post on the Mount Underwood fire page.
This wildfire comes as the fire danger rating in Port Alberni sits at “extreme,” with temperatures hitting 37 degrees Celsius locally Monday afternoon.
With an “extreme” rating, “new fires will start easily, spread rapidly, and challenge fire suppression efforts,” reads information on the B.C. government’s website.
MORE ISLAND WILDFIRE NEWS: Some evacuees cleared to return home as Wesley Ridge wildfire now considered ‘held’
MORE ON WEATHER: Heat warnings covering parts of southern B.C. expand