By David Wiwchar

Evacuation Alerts issued

Local state of emergency declared from fire

Aug 13, 2025 | 6:40 AM

Evacuation orders and evacuation alerts have been issued as the ACRD, City of Port Alberni and Tseshaht First Nation have declared a state of emergency in the shadow of the Mount Underwood fire.

Strong winds, steep slopes and drought conditions are being blamed for the explosive growth of the fire.

Coastal Fire Centre Information Officer Julia Caranci says the fire is exhibiting aggressive behaviour, which is very rare for Vancouver Island.

“What we’re looking at is some very unprecedented dry conditions, winds and terrain, coming together and unfortunately doing what they did with that fire,” she said.

Due to a change in wind direction and increased fire activity on the Mount Underwood Wildfire, the ACRD Emergency Operations Centre issued an Evacuation Alert to include all of Frankin River Road, Tseshaht’s Polly’s Point Reserve No.2, and Cameron Heights as a precautionary measure.

increased need

'That's a real concern:' rising B.C. food bank usage resonates in Nanaimo

2h ago

above and beyond

Long-time Qualicum Beach volunteer awarded for lifetime of giving back

23h ago

shine bright

New downtown Nanaimo art installation creating a sensory experience

Dec 07, 2025

This is in addition to the current Evacuation Order for the area from Cameron Shop south to Coleman Main.

The Mount Underwood fire is now listed at 1447 hectares, and filling the Alberni Valley and other mid-island areas with smoke.

Caranci says the shift to cooler temperatures and some rain in the forecast isn’t likely to modify fire behaviour much.