Crews Battling Wildfire near Port Alberni Utilize Recent Rainfall to Prevent Flare-Ups
Firefighters tackling the out-of-control blaze near Port Alberni are making the most of recent rainfall to contain the wildfire and prevent it from reigniting.
Updating the public through a video on their Facebook page, the BC Wildfire Service reports a team of 144 personnel actively working on controlling the Mount Underwood wildfire. They are currently focused on “mopping up” hot spots along the fire’s perimeter to ensure it doesn’t spread further.
Mount Underwood fire operations chief Kiah Allen emphasized the importance of their efforts in stopping potential flare-ups that could lead to spot fires outside the perimeter when the weather becomes drier and warmer later this week.
The wildfire, spanning over 36 square kilometers, has forced evacuation orders, power outages, telecommunication disruptions, and road closures in the vicinity of Bamfield, B.C.
In response to the smoke generated by the Mount Underwood fire, Environment Canada has reissued a special air quality statement for parts of Vancouver Island, warning residents in Port Alberni and nearby areas of possible localized smoke impacts.
The recent weekend rain has significantly aided in reducing wildfire activity across British Columbia, with the number of active blazes now down to approximately 60.
Keyphrase: wildfire prevention techniques