Crews guard against flare-up of Vancouver Island wildfire after rainfall
In a video message posted on its Facebook page, the B.C. Wildfire Service says there are 144 personnel working on the Mount Underwood blaze and they're starting to "mop up" areas at the fire's perimeter by extinguishing hot spots.
Mount Underwood fire operations chief Kiah Allen says the goal is to prevent future flare-ups that can create spot fires outside the perimeter once drier and warmer weather returns later this week.
WATCH | Mount Underwood fire receives rain:
Wildfire growth near Port Alberni unusual for Vancouver Island: wildfire service
5 days ago
An out-of-control fire south of Port Alberni has grown to more than 34 square kilometres. The Mount Underwood wildfire was discovered on Monday and doubled in size in 24 hours. The B.C. Wildfire Service describes the blaze as aggressive and explosive and says the rapid growth is due to a severe drought.
The fire measured at more than 36 square kilometres has triggered evacuation orders and shut off power, telecom and the main road access to nearby Bamfield, B.C.
Environment Canada has again issued a special air quality statement for parts of Vancouver Island, saying that localized smoke from Mount Underwood may "periodically" affect Port Alberni and other nearby communities.
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