Crews fighting an out-of-control wildfire near Port Alberni, B.C., say they are taking advantage of recent rainfall to guard against the blaze flaring up again.
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.
Wildfire growth near Port Alberni unusual for Vancouver Island: wildfire service
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.
Rain over the weekend has helped douse wildfire activity across B.C., with the number of active blazes down to about 60.
