Massive Wildfire Near Port Alberni Forces Campground Evacuation
A fast-moving wildfire southwest of Port Alberni has now grown to an estimated 630 hectares and is still considered out of control. The blaze, officially named the Mount Underwood fire, started about nine kilometres down Bamfield Main Road and was first spotted as a small plume of smoke earlier in the evening. Within hours, it had intensified dramatically, prompting an evacuation of China Creek Campground and the nearby regional park.
The BC Wildfire Service reports that the fire is exhibiting aggressive Rank 4 and Rank 5 behaviour, meaning it is spreading quickly with high-intensity flames. Crews on the ground are being supported by multiple helicopters, including night-vision-equipped aircraft, as well as an airtanker. Heavy equipment and specialized incident management teams have also been deployed. Bamfield Main Road, which connects Port Alberni to Bamfield, has been closed.
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Campers at China Creek were cleared out quickly by the site’s caretaker and staff, with all guests and employees confirmed safe. According to Port Alberni Port Authority co-CEO Mike Carter, the evacuation went smoothly thanks to the quick action of the onsite team.
From across the Alberni Inlet, campers at Macktush Campground watched as the smoke thickened and rose above the mountains. Many initially thought it was dust from the road, but soon realized it was much more serious. In Port Alberni itself, dozens of people gathered at Harbour Quay to watch the large plume of smoke. Longtime locals like Bob McCurdy and Lynn Horrocks said they wanted to see the situation for themselves after hearing about it online. Some expressed concern about the potential impact of wind in the China Creek area, which is known to be breezy, and how quickly that could push smoke or flames closer to town.
Others, like Bob Nesbitt and Penny Mackie, said they weren’t particularly worried but were curious to see how firefighting efforts would unfold. Nesbitt noted that the fire’s location is not ideal and wondered how it might affect fishing in the area if evacuations were expanded.
By late evening, firefighting aircraft continued to circle the site, dropping water and retardant while ground crews worked to contain the blaze. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Smoke has been reported across nearby communities and, due to the terrain, can sometimes appear to be coming from the separate Wesley Ridge wildfire when viewed from certain angles.
For now, officials are urging people to stay away from the affected area, follow road closures, and monitor official updates. While firefighting resources are being heavily committed, the size and behaviour of the fire mean the situation could change quickly.
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