Detours and Road Challenges Persist for Ditidaht Nation Amid Mount Underwood Wildfire
Due to the Mount Underwood wildfire, Franklin River Road remains closed, forcing travelers to the Ditidaht First Nation to navigate a challenging detour that has resulted in numerous flat tires and vehicle damage. Community member Dorothy Burn highlighted the poor condition of the road, which has not been adequately maintained, leading to emergency repairs for her truck. In response to the situation, road graders are set to work on improving the route, while BC Hydro crews are making progress on restoring power to the Ditidaht Nation and Bamfield ahead of schedule.
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Summary
Due to the Mount Underwood wildfire, Franklin River Road remains closed, forcing travelers to the Ditidaht First Nation to navigate a challenging detour that has resulted in numerous flat tires and vehicle damage. Community member Dorothy Burn highlighted the poor condition of the road, which has not been adequately maintained, leading to emergency repairs for her truck. In response to the situation, road graders are set to work on improving the route, while BC Hydro crews are making progress on restoring power to the Ditidaht Nation and Bamfield ahead of schedule.
Details
As the Mount Underwood wildfire continues to impact travel in the region, residents of the Ditidaht First Nation are facing significant challenges due to the closure of Franklin River Road. This vital route has been shut down since August 11, forcing community members to navigate a difficult and deteriorating alternate road between Nitinaht and Bamfield. Dorothy Burn, a local resident, has been using this potholed road to deliver essential supplies and emergency food services to the 200 residents in Ditidaht who are currently without power. "It’s in very, very poor condition. It hasn’t been graded properly, and the heavy rain combined with excessive traffic has made it really rough. It’s terrible," Burn expressed in an interview with CHEK News.
The road's poor condition has taken a toll on vehicles, with Burn's truck requiring emergency repairs after suffering damage from the bumps and potholes. "They said the brake line broke off from all the bumps on the road," she noted. Judi Thomas, chief councillor of the Ditidaht Nation, echoed Burn's concerns, describing the road maintenance issue as a "wicked problem" that needs urgent attention. Meanwhile, the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District has issued warnings to visitors returning to the area, advising them to drive cautiously due to the road's state, which has led to numerous reports of flat tires.
In a positive development, it was announced Thursday afternoon that graders will be deployed to improve the road conditions from the Franklin River junction to Ditidaht and on to Youbou over the next week. This news has been welcomed by Burn and her fellow volunteers, who remain committed to supporting their community despite the challenging circumstances. "I just spoke very nicely to the mechanic saying fix it up, so it’s good to go," Burn said, highlighting the resilience of the community.
Additionally, BC Hydro crews are working diligently to repair damaged power lines and replace poles that were burned in the wildfire. Their efforts are progressing faster than anticipated, with power restoration expected to occur several days ahead of the previous target date of August 30. As the community navigates these challenges, the commitment to support one another remains strong, showcasing the spirit of resilience in the face of adversity.
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Sources
- CHEK: https://cheknews.ca/its-terrible-traffic-detoured-around-alberni-wildfire-face-flat-tires-on-road-1274179/
Updates Timeline
08/22/2025, 12:22 AM - Admin edit
Last updated: Friday, August 22, 2025 at 12:22 AM
This story was compiled by our automated newsroom from official sources and local reporting. Editors review for accuracy.