A fast-moving wildfire south of Port Alberni has exploded in size and is now considered out of control, prompting evacuations and a full highway closure between Port Alberni and Bamfield.
The Mount Underwood wildfire was first reported on Monday, August 11th, and as of 9:50 p.m. has grown to an estimated 630 hectares.
The blaze is burning in rugged, heavily forested terrain in the Coastal Fire Centre region, approximately 12 kilometres south of Port Alberni and along the Bamfield Main Road.
BC Wildfire Service says the fire is displaying Rank 4 and Rank 5 behaviour, meaning it is spreading quickly with an organized flame front and potential for tree crowning.
An initial attack crew, air tanker and four helicopters are responding, with night vision–equipped helicopters continuing suppression efforts after dark. A heavy equipment task force, three unit crews, a Type 1 Incident Management Team, and structural protection specialists have also been mobilized.
Forest Fire, #PortAlberni. China Creek Marina area. Be safe everyone!#BCwildfire #Wildfire #bcpoli #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/uuQhzALIE1
— Tseshaht (@tseshaht) August 12, 2025
The China Creek Regional Park & Campground, located near the fire, has been evacuated.
A post on the China Creek Campground Facebook page around 8:30 p.m. Monday confirmed that both the campground and marina had been “safely evacuated.”
The highway between Port Alberni and Bamfield is currently closed in both directions.
Smoke from the fire is visible from surrounding communities and, due to its location, may appear to be coming from the Wesley Ridge wildfire when viewed from the north and east.
The Wesley Ridge blaze is located about 19 kilometres northeast of Mount Underwood.
Residents and travellers in the area are urged to monitor BC Wildfire Service and local emergency channels for evacuation alerts and road closure updates.
