Wednesday August 20, 2025 | PORT ALBERNI, BC [Posted at 5:11 pm | Updated at 10 pm]
by Mary P Brooke, B.Sc. | Island Social Trends
UPDATE at 7 pm August 20: Fire size a bit smaller now at 3,548 hectares and is no longer considered out of control.
Significant rainfall over last weekend has helped crews battle the Mount Underwood wildfire (V71498) this week, burning south of Port Alberni.
As of yesterday, the BC Wildfire Service reported that 160 personnel are working this incident with a focus on the north and southwest flanks. That’s to keep the fire contained within its current perimeter.
The size of the fire is still listed at 3,603 hectares (as of 10 am this morning, August 20), same as yesterday.That’s up by about 200 hectares from 3,406 hectares in size reported five days ago on August 14.
The wildfire of note is still categorized as out of control.
There is now just one evacuation alert and one evacuation order, less than in previous days. Both have been issued by the Regional District of Alberni-Clayoquot.
Smoky skies:
Smoky skies can be expected as fire suppression and bucketing with water continues.
Power outage to August 30:
BC Hydro is dealing with significant damage to poles and lines, expecting it will take until August 30 for power to be restored to 528 of their customers.
===== RELATED:
- Mount Underwood wildfire update on August 19 (August 19, 2025)
- BC Hydro on track for 2-week power restoration after Mount Underwood wildfire damage (August 19, 2025)
- Mount Underwood wildfire damage to BC Hydro infrastructure could take two weeks to repair (August 16, 2025)
- Rain helps moderate Mount Underwood wildfire (August 15, 2025)
- Mount Underwood wildfire expands by 1,250 hectares overnight (August 14, 2025)
- Mount Underwood wildfire near Port Alberni is growing quickly (August 13, 2025)
- NEWS SECTIONS: WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT | BC HYDRO | POWER OUTAGES