Up to 300 Evacuated from Vancouver Island Campground as Mount Underwood Wildfire Rapidly Expands

A rapidly growing wildfire on Vancouver Island has forced the evacuation of up to 300 people from a popular campground near Port Alberni, B.C., and shut down a key road in the area.

The Mount Underwood fire, detected Monday evening about 12 kilometres south of Port Alberni, expanded at an alarming pace — from roughly 50 hectares at 7 p.m. to 150 hectares by 9 p.m., and reaching 630 hectares an hour later.

In a late-night update, the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) said the blaze was exhibiting Rank 4 and Rank 5 fire behaviour, meaning it was burning intensely along the surface and into tree canopies. Helicopters equipped with night vision and crews trained in structure protection were deployed to fight the flames overnight.

The China Creek Campground and Marina, operated by the Port Alberni Port Authority, was fully evacuated. Co-CEO Mike Carter said safety was the top concern, even as winds and high temperatures raised the risk of damage to tents, RVs, and boats.

“The road is closed to Bamfield, so that cuts off people on both sides,” Carter said. “Port Alberni itself is not in harm’s way, but people should be prepared and stay alert.”

The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District activated its emergency operations centre at 9:15 p.m. Monday. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

BCWS noted that smoke from the blaze may be visible from surrounding communities and could be mistaken for the Wesley Ridge wildfire when viewed from the north and east.

Separately, in B.C.’s southern Interior, an evacuation alert was issued Monday night for three properties northwest of Osoyoos due to the 7.5-hectare Conifryd Creek wildfire. The blaze prompted a temporary closure of Highway 3 before reopening to single-lane alternating traffic later in the evening.

An evacuation alert means residents should be ready to leave at short notice.