By David Wiwchar

smoke smelled throughout city

Suspicious fire on Somass Lands

Apr 1, 2026 | 11:46 AM

Thick black smoke rose over the last remaining Somass Mill building yesterday, and could be smelled throughout the city.

The fire was on the second floor of the building, where access had been removed to make it difficult for people to enter the area – even firefighters according to Port Alberni Fire Chief Mike Owens.

“Access has been removed for people to be able to access upper floors which also poses an interesting challenge for fire suppression crews to access those floors as well,” he said.

Firefighters from throughout the Alberni Valley attended the fire and city crews were called in to open the water feed to the deactivated hydrants around the property.

Before the blaze could be contained, the air quality detector shot up to 97 at Alberni Elementary – meaning air quality was unhealthy for sensitive people.

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No one was injured in the fire which is now under investigation by fire officials and police.

Fire crews were then called to a trailer fire on Elkford Road where Port Alberni firefighters assisted Cherry Creek volunteers to extinguish that blaze.