PORT ALBERNI — The highest-profile wildfire in British Columbia, which triggered several evacuation orders on Vancouver Island last week, is no longer burning out of control.
The BC Wildfire Service has reclassified the Mount Underwood fire near Port Alberni as being held at about 35 square kilometres and says it's projected to remain within its current perimeter.
The fire, which retains its classification as B.C.'s only fire of note, showed aggressive, intense behaviour after being discovered early last week before being tempered by significant rainfall over the weekend.
Some evacuation orders and alerts were downgraded Wednesday by the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, the City of Port Alberni and the Tseshaht First Nation.
However, nearby Bamfield continues to be without power and its main road access.
BC Hydro has said that it's aiming to have power restored for Aug. 30, as a six-kilometre span of power infrastructure was destroyed and must be rebuilt.
There are about 60 active wildfires burning across B.C., with 53 declared out in the last week, and two burning out of control.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 21, 2025.
The Canadian Press
