Up to 300 people evacuated from Vancouver Island campground for rapidly-growing wildfire
The China Creek Campground and Marina southwest of the Vancouver Island city was evacuated due to the Mount Underwood fire, which grew quickly from around 50 hectares in size around 7 p.m. to 150 hectares by 9 p.m.
In an update late Monday night, the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) said the blaze was displaying Rank 4 and Rank 5 fire behaviour — meaning it was an extremely vigorous surface fire and burning to the tops of trees.
Officials say the Bamfield Main Road is closed between Port Alberni and Bamfield as they investigate the cause of the fire.
The co-CEO of the Port Alberni Port Authority, which is responsible for the China Creek campground, said up to 300 people had to leave the site on Monday.
"The road is closed to Bamfield. So that cuts off people on on both sides," said co-CEO Mike Carter just after 9 p.m. Monday.
"But, as far as the port authority is concerned, it's just a campground is under our jurisdiction and that's been fully evacuated, and we're standing by to see how things go overnight."
Carter said he was concerned about potential fire damage to tents, RVs or boats as the blaze is being excacerbated by winds and heat on Vancouver Island — but the number one priority was the safety of clients and staff.
"My understanding is Port Alberni itself as a city is not in any harm," Carter said. "However, people need to be prepared, have bags packed and just monitor."
The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District said in an online update at 9:15 p.m. PT it had activated its emergency operations centre.
Wildfire crews say helicopters equipped with night vision would fight the blaze overnight, and crews specialized in protecting structures were on scene.
"Smoke is visible from surrounding communities and, due to terrain and proximity, may appear to be coming from the Wesley Ridge wildfire when viewed from the north and east," read the online BCWS update.
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