Mount Underwood Wildfire Status Upgraded to 'Being Held' as Firefighting Efforts Intensify
Firefighting efforts on the Mount Underwood wildfire continue as its status has been updated to 'being held,' indicating that it is not expected to spread beyond its current perimeter. Approximately 170 personnel, along with seven helicopters and heavy equipment, are working to strengthen containment lines around the fire, which has grown to 3,548 hectares since it was first discovered on August 11. Meanwhile, the community of Bamfield and surrounding First Nations are facing ongoing power outages and road closures, significantly impacting local residents and the economy during peak tourism season.
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Summary
Firefighting efforts on the Mount Underwood wildfire continue as its status has been updated to 'being held,' indicating that it is not expected to spread beyond its current perimeter. Approximately 170 personnel, along with seven helicopters and heavy equipment, are working to strengthen containment lines around the fire, which has grown to 3,548 hectares since it was first discovered on August 11. Meanwhile, the community of Bamfield and surrounding First Nations are facing ongoing power outages and road closures, significantly impacting local residents and the economy during peak tourism season.
Details
Firefighting efforts are ongoing at the Mount Underwood wildfire, which has recently been classified as 'being held' by the BC Wildfire Service. This status change, announced on August 20, indicates that the fire is not expected to spread beyond its current perimeter, thanks to the resources and conditions currently in place. Julia Caranci, a fire information officer with the BC Wildfire Service, expressed optimism about the progress made, stating, "It’s good news. It means we’re progressing in the right direction, which is excellent," while also emphasizing that significant work remains to be done to fully control the blaze.
Approximately 170 firefighters, support personnel, and specialized tree fallers are actively engaged in combating the fire, which has grown to an area of 3,548 hectares since it was first detected on August 11. The firefighting team is bolstered by seven helicopters and 14 pieces of heavy equipment, all working to strengthen containment lines and push the fire perimeter inward by 100 feet in accessible areas. Recent cooler and rainy weather, which brought about 40 mm of rain over several days, has aided in controlling the fire's rapid growth. However, Caranci cautioned that a warming and drying trend is expected in the coming week, which may lead to increased visibility of smoke from unburnt pockets within the fire's perimeter.
While progress is being made on the fire front, the situation remains challenging for residents of Bamfield and the surrounding First Nations communities, which are still grappling with power outages and road closures. Judith Sayers, chief councillor for the Ditidaht First Nation, highlighted the significant impact of the ongoing outages, stating, "It’s been a weight on the community." As of now, 68 homes in Ditidaht are without power, with around 30 relying on generators. The First Nations Emergency Services Society is providing assistance during this extended outage, and community members are mobilizing to maintain essential services, including meals and power for public buildings.
The road to Bamfield remains closed as BC Wildfire Service collaborates with BC Hydro to ensure safe access for restoration efforts. Sayers noted that the situation is particularly challenging during peak tourism season, as visitors are being advised to stay away to conserve resources for local residents. The community continues to navigate these difficulties while working towards restoring normalcy in the wake of the wildfire.
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Sources
- CHEK: https://cheknews.ca/firefighting-efforts-continue-on-mount-underwood-wildfire-after-status-moved-to-being-held-1274036/
This story was compiled by our automated newsroom from official sources and local reporting. Editors review for accuracy.