Latest news with #ACRD
CBC
3 days ago
- Climate
- CBC
'Explosive' wildfire growth near Port Alberni, B.C., unusual for Vancouver Island: wildfire service
A Vancouver Island wildfire continues to grow out of control Wednesday. The Mount Underwood fire is now 16.18 square kilometres (1,618 hectares), located more than 10 kilometres south of Port Alberni, B.C., a small city home to about 19,000 people. More than 500 properties in the Bamfield and Anacla areas are still without power due to the fire, according to B.C. Hydro's outage list. Those properties haven't had power since around 6 p.m. PT Monday. The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) has said the power is expected to be out for longer than 72 hours. Evacuation orders have been issued by the ACRD and Cowichan Valley Regional District for a mix of commercial, industrial and recreational properties. WATCH | Vancouver Island wildfire grows rapidly: Mount Underwood wildfire near Port Alberni rages out of control 14 hours ago Julia Caranci, fire information officer with the B.C. Wildfire Service, said this "extreme" fire behaviour is unusual for Vancouver Island. "We are in the midst of a severe drought," she said at a news conference Tuesday. She noted strong winds had pushed the fire "aggressively" uphill. The fire rapidly expanded Tuesday, ballooning from about 6.3 square kilometres Monday night to almost 14.5 square kilometres Tuesday night. "In the seven years I've worked for the Coastal Fire Centre, I don't think I've seen a fire like this on Vancouver Island," Caranci said. She said the "unprecedented" dry conditions, combined with the strong winds, hot weather and steep, rugged terrain, came together to contribute to the fire's growth. "When the temperature is rising and the relative humidity falls, and we have strong winds pushing on a new incident, we can see that explosive type of growth. Again, we don't normally see that on fires on Vancouver Island." Wildfire officers do not expect the upcoming rain to have a strong impact on the current fire behaviour, Caranci said. "We are responding, and we are doing everything we can," she said. B.C. Wildfire Service crews, including five helicopters and five skimmers, are responding to the fire. The service said there is no threat to Bamfield or Port Alberni at this time, but has asked non-residents to stay away from Bamfield, an unincorporated community with about 300 year-round residents, to avoid putting more pressure on the community.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
'Massive' wildfire south of Port Alberni, B.C., doubles in size in less than a day
A wildfire near Port Alberni, B.C., is rapidly growing out of control and has more than doubled in size in less than a day. The Mount Underwood wildfire, measuring almost 14.5 square kilometres as of 7 p.m. PT, is located just over 10 kilometres south of the Vancouver Island city, which is home to around 19,000 people. About 300 people were evacuated Monday from a nearby campground and marina, and the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) issued a new evacuation order Tuesday for the Mount Underwood area, including parts of the Bamfield and Cherry Creek electoral areas. The order said the wildfire is a "threat to those in the evacuation order" and is "surrounding the Bamfield Main Road and making it impassable." Later on Tuesday evening, the ACRD issued an evacuation alert — meaning residents should be prepared to leave at a moment's notice — for an area just north of the one on evacuation order, declaring a local state of emergency in the process. A 24-hour reception centre has been set up at the Alberni Athletic Hall, according to EmergencyInfoBC. In a news conference Tuesday, the ACRD said that 50 properties were subject to the order, a mixture of commercial, industrial and recreational properties. A regional district spokesperson had earlier told CBC News the majority were recreational, with officials saying some of the properties included long-term camping sites. Around 3:40 p.m. PT, a further evacuation order was issued for five residential properties southeast of the fire in the Cowichan Lake area, with evacuees told to go to the Cowichan Lake Sports Arena if they needed assistance. The fire has also knocked out power for more than 500 B.C. Hydro customers in the community of Bamfield, according to the utility's outage list. "The power will likely be out for at least 72 hours, likely more," Huu-ay-aht First Nations Chief Coun. John Jack, ACRD chair, said in a news conference on Tuesday afternoon. "Therefore, people will have to take take the steps they need to manage their own families and checking on their neighbours." Fire grows rapidly The fire was discovered Monday and grew quickly throughout the day, ballooning from around 50 hectares at 7 p.m. PT to 630 hectares (6.3 square kilometres) three hours later. It was reported as 859 hectares (almost 8.6 square kilometres) on Tuesday morning and then 1,391 hectares (almost 14 square kilometres) as of the B.C. Wildfire Service's 1:45 p.m. update, over three times the size of Stanley Park in Vancouver. WATCH | Wildfire forces hundreds from Vancouver Island campground: "It grew massive," Jack said when speaking on CBC's On The Island Tuesday morning. He noted the fire has grown larger than the nearby Wesley Ridge fire was at its height. The road between Bamfield, an unincorporated community with about 300 year-round residents, and Port Alberni is closed in both directions due to the wildfire, according to DriveBC. Jack said people are advised to use the Cowichan route if they need to get to the Bamfield area. Christi Howes, fire information officer with the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) said there are no threats to Port Alberni or Bamfield at this time, but she stressed the need for people who are not residents to stay away from Bamfield. "We don't want to add any additional pressures to the community by having extra people trying to get there, either by road or by trail," she said. Aggressive fire behaviour On Tuesday, the 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. In an update later Tuesday afternoon, Julia Caranci from the BCWS said that the aggressive fire behaviour was unusual for Vancouver Island. "On the Island, we tend to have the moderating winds coming in shore from the ocean, which do tend to moderate fire behaviour," she said. "I would say ... that in the seven years I've worked for the Coastal Fire Centre, I don't think I've seen a fire like this on Vancouver Island." Caranci said that strong winds through the Alberni Inlet had prompted the fire's "explosive type of growth" uphill on Monday, and the area had had very little rain since the end of June. "What we're seeing is incredibly dry conditions, which normally we would not have for this extended period of time," the fire information officer said. "And that is combined with very steep terrain where this fire is and strong winds and how hot it is." Jack said residents of Bamfield and Anacla, a Huu-ay-aht First Nations community, are resilient and used to restricted access. "Being cut off from the Port Alberni area is always a bit of a concerning situation for them, but they're no strangers to using gravel roads to get to where they need to go," Jack said Tuesday morning. "That being said, the power is out — and it's out indefinitely. And that's perhaps the most concerning thing." In a 7:15 a.m. update Tuesday, B.C. Hydro said a crew had been assigned to the outage, but no time was given for when the power may return. It's been down since about 6 p.m. Monday. Jack recommended residents be prepared by making a "72-hour kit," having a plan for staying in place, and monitoring verified information sources. Howes said structural protection has been put in place for private campgrounds, mills and log-sorting facilities in the area. She said crews are expecting wind and rain in the forecast. "It's a dynamic situation and we will be watching the weather very closely," she said. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The Mount Underwood fire grows just after the Wesley Ridge fire, burning northwest of Nanaimo, was downgraded from "out of control" to "being held." Howes said the Wesley Ridge fire remains "adequately resourced."
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
'Massive' wildfire south of Port Alberni, B.C., doubles in size in less than a day
A wildfire near Port Alberni, B.C., is rapidly growing out of control and has more than doubled in size in less than a day. The Mount Underwood wildfire, now measuring almost 14 square kilometres, is located just over 10 kilometres south of the Vancouver Island city, which is home to around 19,000 people. About 300 people were evacuated Monday from a nearby campground and marina, and the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) issued a new evacuation order Tuesday for the Mount Underwood area, including parts of the Bamfield and Cherry Creek electoral areas. The order said the wildfire is a "threat to those in the evacuation order" and is "surrounding the Bamfield Main Road and making it impassable." A 24-hour reception centre has been set up at the Alberni Athletic Hall, according to EmergencyInfoBC. In a news conference Tuesday, the ACRD said that 50 properties were subject to the order, a mixture of commercial, industrial and recreational properties. A regional district spokesperson had earlier told CBC News the majority were recreational, with officials saying some of the properties included long-term camping sites. Around 3:40 p.m. PT, a further evacuation order was issued for five residential properties southeast of the fire in the Cowichan Lake area, with evacuees told to go to the Cowichan Lake Sports Arena if they needed assistance. The fire has also knocked out power for more than 500 B.C. Hydro customers in the community of Bamfield, according to the utility's outage list. "The power will likely be out for at least 72 hours, likely more," Huu-ay-aht First Nations Chief Coun. John Jack, ACRD chair, said in a news conference on Tuesday afternoon. "Therefore, people will have to take take the steps they need to manage their own families and checking on their neighbours." Fire grows rapidly The fire was discovered Monday and grew quickly throughout the day, ballooning from around 50 hectares at 7 p.m. PT to 630 hectares (6.3 square kilometres) three hours later. It was reported as 859 hectares (almost 8.6 square kilometres) on Tuesday morning and then 1,391 hectares (almost 14 square kilometres) as of the B.C. Wildfire Service's 1:45 p.m. update, over three times the size of Stanley Park in Vancouver. WATCH | Wildfire forces hundreds from Vancouver Island campground: "It grew massive," Jack said when speaking on CBC's On The Island Tuesday morning. He noted the fire has grown larger than the nearby Wesley Ridge fire was at its height. The road between Bamfield, an unincorporated community with about 300 year-round residents, and Port Alberni is closed in both directions due to the wildfire, according to DriveBC. Jack said people are advised to use the Cowichan route if they need to get to the Bamfield area. Christi Howes, fire information officer with the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) said there are no threats to Port Alberni or Bamfield at this time, but she stressed the need for people who are not residents to stay away from Bamfield. "We don't want to add any additional pressures to the community by having extra people trying to get there, either by road or by trail," she said. Aggressive fire behaviour On Tuesday, the 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. In an update later Tuesday afternoon, Julia Caranci from the BCWS said that the aggressive fire behaviour was unusual for Vancouver Island. "On the Island, we tend to have the moderating winds coming in shore from the ocean, which do tend to moderate fire behaviour," she said. "I would say ... that in the seven years I've worked for the Coastal Fire Centre, I don't think I've seen a fire like this on Vancouver Island." Caranci said that strong winds through the Alberni Inlet had prompted the fire's "explosive type of growth" uphill on Monday, and the area had had very little rain since the end of June. "What we're seeing is incredibly dry conditions, which normally we would not have for this extended period of time," the fire information officer said. "And that is combined with very steep terrain where this fire is and strong winds and how hot it is." Jack said residents of Bamfield and Anacla, a Huu-ay-aht First Nations community, are resilient and used to restricted access. "Being cut off from the Port Alberni area is always a bit of a concerning situation for them, but they're no strangers to using gravel roads to get to where they need to go," Jack said Tuesday morning. "That being said, the power is out — and it's out indefinitely. And that's perhaps the most concerning thing." In a 7:15 a.m. update Tuesday, B.C. Hydro said a crew had been assigned to the outage, but no time was given for when the power may return. It's been down since about 6 p.m. Monday. Jack recommended residents be prepared by making a "72-hour kit," having a plan for staying in place, and monitoring verified information sources. Howes said structural protection has been put in place for private campgrounds, mills and log-sorting facilities in the area. She said crews are expecting wind and rain in the forecast. "It's a dynamic situation and we will be watching the weather very closely," she said. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The Mount Underwood fire grows just after the Wesley Ridge fire, burning northwest of Nanaimo, was downgraded from "out of control" to "being held." Howes said the Wesley Ridge fire remains "adequately resourced."
The Irish Sun
27-05-2025
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Liberal anchor Jake Tapper says cover-up of Biden's cognitive decline may be ‘worse than Watergate' after bombshell book
THE cover-up of Joe Biden's ailing health could be a bigger scandal that Watergate, the author of a bombshell new book on the former president's cognitive decline has claimed. CNN host Jake Tapper co-wrote Original Sin, an 3 The CNN anchor said the cover-up of Biden's health 'maybe even worse than Watergate in some ways' 3 Former United States President Joe Biden speaks at the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD) conference on April 15, 2025 Credit: Splash 3 The stunning claim came on an interview with Piers Morgan Biden's physical and mental decline were a constant source of speculation throughout his time as president, which culminated in him dropping out of the 2024 election after a disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump. But Tapper made a jaw-dropping remark when challenged on his book's conclusion in an interview with Piers Morgan on Monday. Quoting from the book, Morgan said: "Joe Biden is not Richard Nixon, and the hiding and cover-up of his deterioration is not Watergate." He added: "I am not entirely sure I agree, Jake, with that conclusion." But in a stunning moment, the CNN anchor said the cover-up of Biden's health "maybe even worse than Watergate in some ways". "Because Richard Nixon was in control of his faculties when he was not drinking," he clarified. He said that while he sees the Biden cover-up as an "entirely separate scandal" from Watergate, he still considers it a "a scandal" nonetheless. Tapper added the book was not "mean to exonerate" Biden in its conclusion that this scandal was "not Watergate". Most read in The US Sun "The only reason that we have the Watergate thing in there is because we quote Archibald Cox, who was a Watergate investigator, talking about how powerful the presidency is and how presidents get surrounded by people who have a vested interest in keeping that president propped up," he told Morgan. "This is an entirely separate scandal," Tapper repeated. "Maybe even worse … maybe even worse." Joe Biden diagnosed with 'aggressive' form of prostate cancer It comes following the announcement the A spokesperson for the former president said: "While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management." Biden's ailing health was the subject of intense speculation for much of his time in the White House, with many observers questioning if he was fit to serve a second term in office. While the octogenarian initially announced he would seek re-election, he dropped out of the race after a calamitous debate performance in June 2024. He was replaced as presumptive Democratic nominee by his Vice President Timeline of Biden's failed re-election bid President Joe Biden endured weeks of calls to step aside before he announced on July 21 that he was dropping out of the 2024 presidential race. Here are key developments leading up to his decision. June 27: Biden's disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump sparks calls for him to step aside. His voice was raspy and he trailed off several times after having already endured questions about his age and mental capacity following a series of blunders at public events. July 2: Polls after the debate indicate that Trump is pulling ahead. Texas Representative Lloyd Doggett was the first Democratic congressman to publicly urge Biden to drop his bid for re-election, and big Democratic donors issued the same call a day later. July 5: Biden does a live TV interview with George Stephanopoulos where he tries to quell fears about his age and debate performance. He called the debate "bad night" and said he was under the weather and "exhausted." July 10: Vermont Senator Peter Welch becomes the first senator to call for Biden to drop out. July 11: Biden refers to Ukrainian President Zelensky as President Putin at a NATO event. July 13: Trump is shot at a campaign rally by a wannabe assassin. His popularity and favorability rating soared after he was seen bloodied on stage but walked off with a fist in the air, telling the crowd to "fight!" July 17: California Representative Adam Schiff and a series of other Democrats call for Biden to step aside. Even former President Barack Obama tells allies that Biden's path to victory has "greatly diminished." Biden tests positive for Covid-19 hours after saying he would consider ending his bid if he were diagnosed with "some medical issue." July 19: Biden insists he will continue campaigning in his first statement since Obama's U-turn, despite reports that he would decide to drop out by the weekend. July 21: Just before 2 pm, Biden announces he is stepping aside in the 2024 election and endorses Vice President Kamala Harris. But the debate was far from the only sign of Biden's deterioration. Biden once "It was like watching someone who was not alive," a Hollywood source said in the book. "It was startling. And we all looked at each other. It was so awful." Another leaked audio clip appears to show Speaking to Morgan, Tapper addressed criticisms that many in the US media had failed to sufficiently cover reports of Biden's ailing health. "I feel like I owe the American people an acknowledgement that I wish I had covered the story better," he said. Tapper told CNN earlier this month: "I think some of the criticism is fair, to be honest. Read more on the Irish Sun "Of me, certainly. I'm not going to speak for anybody else, but knowing then what I know now, I look back at my coverage during the Biden years — and I did cover some of these issues, but not enough. "I look back on it with humility."
Newsweek
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Ex-Biden Official Rips Into Former President for Recent Interviews
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Former Biden administration official Anthony Coley called out ex-President Joe Biden amid his recent interviews, saying it's "not helpful" to the Democratic Party in the aftermath of the 2024 presidential election loss. Newsweek reached out to Biden's office via online form for comment Friday night. Why It Matters Following former Vice President Kamala Harris' election loss in November and President Donald Trump's inauguration in January, both Harris and Biden have kept a somewhat low political profile. Democrats have faced growing turmoil and scrutiny following the election loss, as the party struggles with delivering a cohesive message and picking a clear leader who resonates with voters. After the 2024 election, Republicans gained control of the White House, Senate and Congress. In early polls surveying Americans on potential 2028 candidates, Harris has been a notable contender along with New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, California Governor Gavin Newsom and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Former President Joe Biden speaks at a conference hosted by the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD) on April 15 in Chicago. (Photo by) Former President Joe Biden speaks at a conference hosted by the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD) on April 15 in Chicago. (Photo by) What To Know Biden sat down for ABC's The View in his first live televised interview since leaving office. During the appearance, he said he ultimately took responsibility for Trump winning the election. "I was in charge, and he won. So, you know, I take responsibility," Biden said in part. He attended the interview alongside his wife, former first lady Jill Biden. The former president reiterated his belief that he would have been able to defeat Trump again on Election Day. Biden also had an interview with BBC News earlier this week. Reacting to the former president's remarks, Coley told The Hill that "Elections are about the future. Every time Joe Biden emerges, we fight an old war." Coley led public affairs under Merrick Garland, former attorney general under Biden. He added that "Every interview he does provides a contrast to Trump that's just not helpful for the Democratic brand, which needs trusted messengers and fighters who can reach independents and moderates and inspire the base. Joe Biden ain't that." He continued by wondering how Biden's interviews are actually helping his party. Coley adds that Democratic leaders "are just ready to turn the page. I just don't think he [Biden] understands how wide and deep this sentiment is." Biden was also asked about his cognitive abilities on The View, saying in part that the people accusing him of having declined mental acuity "are wrong." What People Are Saying Former George W. Bush adviser Scott Jennings on X, formerly Twitter, this week: "Between what we saw of Biden today on The View & my understanding of what's about to drop in the Tapper/Thompson book, I don't think Dems have fully internalized the nuclear bomb that's about to hit their party." Republican Representative Wesley Hunt of Texas posted to X on Friday: "ICYMI: Biden fumbles a softball on The View about his mental decline—rambles about COVID and the Civil War. Jill jumps in to save him... again. Memo to the Bidens: this PR tour is more 'Weekend at Bernie's' than West Wing. Give it a rest." Jill Biden on The View, in part: "Joe worked really hard. I think he was a great president. ... If you look at things today, give me Joe Biden anytime." What Happens Next Biden has hired veteran communications expert and former Biden official Chris Meagher, a move that potentially indicates more media appearances may be on the horizon.
