Tuesday August 19, 2025 | PORT ALBERNI, BC
by Mary P Brooke, B.Sc. | Island Social Trends
Update August 20, 2025: Fire size is still 3,603 hectares (same as day before).
Significant rainfall over last weekend has helped crews battle the Mount Underwood wildfire (V71498) burning south of Port Alberni.
The BC Wildfire Service today 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.
However, as of 3:01 pm today the fire is still listed by the BCWS as out of control. The size is listed as 3,603 hectares. That’s up from 3,406 hectares in size reported five days ago on August 14.
Smoky skies:
Smoky skies can be expected as fire suppression and bucketing with water continues.
Orders and alerts:
Two evacuation orders and three evacuation alerts remain in place for areas near the fire.
Orders and alerts are continually reevaluated as a matter of practice.
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:
- 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