Mount Underwood fire out-of-control

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Campers at the China Creek Campground and Marina have been evacuated after a forest fire swept up from Underwood Cove last evening.

The Mount Underwood fire is 630 hectares, or more than six square kilometres in size and is burning out-of-control.

ACRD Chair and Huu-ay-aht Chief Councillor John Jack gave the latest update:

“The current situation is that the fire is still burning quite strongly, and that the situation with the power outage on the West Coast for Bamfield, Anacla and for Ditidaht is likely to last 72 hours at least so people are being asked to make preparations for a longer term of power outage,” he said. “Bamfield Road is going to be closed from the Port Alberni side indefinitely, and they are currently having a discussion about what traffic will look like coming from the other directions. They’re not cut off per se, but they are technically industrial roads, and therefore the access is being discussed between the various stakeholders.”

Campers were sent to the fall fair grounds after being processed at the Alberni Athletic Hall. That reception centre is now closed. Call 250-720-2700 for information.

Fire crews attacked from land and air last night, and Jack said there are no structures currently in danger but said the situation is fluid.

The next update will happen after 1pm.