The wildfire near Port Alberni in British Columbia continues to rage uncontrollably, with firefighters making efforts to contain it as rainy weather provides some relief. The Mount Underwood wildfire, which was sparked on August 11, has seen a recent downpour of 36 millimetres of rain, helping to subdue its intensity. However, officials warn of a drying trend ahead following the rain, though not as severe as the conditions that initially fueled the fire.
Julia Caranci, a fire information officer, explained that the region had endured a prolonged period of hot and dry weather before the rain, making firefighting efforts challenging. With over 150 firefighters working on the 36-square-kilometre wildfire, their focus is on constructing containment lines along the west and north flanks of the fire.
Caranci emphasized the importance of residents staying informed about fire developments in their area to be better prepared for potential evacuations. Despite the challenges, she assured the public of the firefighting resources dedicated to the blaze.
The Mount Underwood fire, located just eight kilometres south of Port Alberni, has prompted evacuation orders in the Alberni-Clayoquot and Cowichan Valley regional districts. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
As of now, there are 76 active wildfires in British Columbia, with only four still out of control following the recent rainfall. Over the past week, 60 fires have been declared as “out,” including a small fire near Cranbrook.