An out-of-control wildfire forced the evacuation of hundreds of people near the Vancouver Island community of Port Alberni.
The BC Wildfire Service says in an update that the Mount Underwood blaze has reached over 13 square kilometres in size.
The wildfire set off the evacuation of the China Creek Campground and Marina, which has 250 tent and RV campsites and is about 15 kilometres southwest of Port Alberni.
The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District issued an evacuation order shortly before midday Tuesday.
“This wildfire is a threat to life & safety. Impacted people must evacuate NOW,” warned Emergency Info BC in a post to social media.
Julia Caranci, fire information officer with the BC Wildfire Service, said barring any “significant” rain or change in wind, the fight is expected to take time.
She described it as a “highly vigorous surface fire” that is atypical for Vancouver Island.
The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District has issued an Evacuation Order for the Mount Underwood area (Electoral Areas A&F) due to the Mount Underwood #BCWildfire. This wildfire is a threat to life & safety. Impacted people must evacuate NOW. More info & map:… pic.twitter.com/jO7O40Cmf1
The BC Wildfire Service says the highway between Port Alberni and Bamfield has now been closed due to the wildfire. An alternative route is open but drivers are asked to use it for essential travel. Caranci said to expect the road to be closed for days if not weeks.
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It says an attack crew and several firefighting aircraft have been mobilized to fight the fast-growing blaze, and structural protection specialists are also on site.
Meanwhile, BC Hydro says nearly 500 homes in the area Bamfield Road are without power.
Caranci said this is a “dynamic and fluid situation” and the status remains a wildfire of note.
Sharie Minions, Mayor of Port Alberni, said she extends her gratitude to all of the crews who are responding to the fire and supporters providing relief to the community.
“I think this fire is a very real reminder of why we need to be prepared,” she said.
There are about 96 wildfires burning across B.C., nine of which are classified as out-of-control.
The Wildfire Service says temperatures are well above seasonal from the coast to the Rockies in southern B.C., and while cooler air is expected to move in from the north, it will remain hot and dry in the south before a new system brings rain to the area by Friday.