By David Wiwchar

Nahmint Mountain fire grows

Jun 9, 2025 | 9:35 AM

Coastal fire centre crews continue to battle a blaze on the side of Nahmint Mountain today.

The fire was reported on Sunday in a cutblock in steep terrain, and has grown overnight from 10 to 15 hectares.

CFC Information Officer Gordon Robinson says 28 firefighters are on the ground today, being helped by 3 helicopters.

“Right now they’re working mainly along the roads near the bottom of the fire, so they’re securing that and then starting to try to push up onto the flanks,” he said. “It’s a bit challenging as the higher portion is pretty steep so they’re working from the bottom up, with helicopters bucketing to reduce the intensity in the at-risk areas.”

Robinson said the fire danger rating in the Alberni-area is currently considered ‘high’, but continuing hot, dry weather could raise the rating and cause a campfire ban.

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The Nahmint fire is believed to be human caused.

In the city, Alberni fire departments were also kept busy on the weekend as high temperatures of 33 degrees led small fires to become bigger fires.

On Saturday, a detached garage in the 3900 block of Anderson was destroyed by fire.

The fire, which is considered suspicious, was kept away from the owner’s house.

Last night, all area fire departments were dispatched to a fire at the Catalyst Paper Mill which one veteran firefighter described as one of the largest mill fires he’s seen.

Black smoke could be seen from throughout town rising from the central area of the mill but was soon extinguished.

No word on any injuries or damage.