The Mount Underwood wildfire in British Columbia remains a significant concern, now covering an estimated 3,671 hectares. Firefighting efforts are concentrated on containing the blaze's northwest flank, which poses the most immediate threat to Port Alberni. Evacuation orders are in place for the China Creek Campground and Marina, affecting approximately 300 rural properties. The City of Port Alberni has declared a state of emergency, with the Cameron Heights area under an evacuation alert, reflecting the dynamic situation and the need for community vigilance.
Recent rainfall, approximately 33 millimeters, has provided a temporary respite, reducing the fire's behavior to primarily smoldering ground activity. Incident commander Stefan Hood stated that this precipitation has enabled more accurate mapping and closer engagement by crews, but emphasized that the work to fully contain the fire is ongoing. Despite the moderation in fire behavior, the wildfire is still classified as "Out of Control." The rain, while beneficial, also introduces new challenges, such as potential slope instability and the risk of falling trees, requiring adaptive strategies from the crews. The disruption caused by the fire extends beyond immediate safety concerns, with power and road access to the Huu-ay-aht First Nation, including Bamfield, being cut off. This has caused significant apprehension among local businesses in Bamfield, who depend on the tourist season for their income. Port Alberni's mayor is actively advocating for provincial support to aid the community. An air quality warning is in effect for inland Vancouver Island due to smoke, advising residents to limit outdoor exposure. This situation highlights a broader trend in British Columbia, where wildfire seasons are becoming more frequent and severe, partly attributed to climate change. Half of the province's top ten fire seasons on record have occurred in the last five years, underscoring an escalating challenge. These events not only impact immediate safety and livelihoods but also have long-term environmental consequences, affecting water quality and ecosystems. The province is implementing various wildfire risk reduction strategies, focusing on community resilience and adaptive forest management practices to address these intensifying conditions.