Mount Underwood Wildfire Resources & Information

Information will be updated when possible.

• The ACRD and the City of Port Alberni have activated the Emergency Operations Centre.
• The ACRD has issued an Evacuation Order: Mount Underwood Evacuation Order – August 12
• The ACRD, City, and Tseshaht have issued the following Evacuation Alerts:

• • ACRD Evacuation Alert August 12, 1800
  • City of Port Alberni Evacuation Alert August 12, 1800
  • Tseshaht First Nation Evacuation Alert August 12, 1800

Those affected by the Mount Underwood wildfire – information and resources, and support:
Emergency Operations Call Centre at 250-720-2738.

Frequently Asked Questions: ACRD FAQ Mount Underwood Wildfire

• Facebook Group Offering Help: Vancouver Island Fire Support and Accommodations
• Facebook Group Road Conditions: Port Alberni Summit Conditions

The Bamfield Main Road is closed due to the Mount Underwood Wildfire that is located above China Creek Marina. There is no access to Port Alberni at this time.
As of August 13th, there is an alternate route through Youbou (see map).

Updates and Resources:

• BC WildFire Service Mount Underwood Updates: Website | Facebook |Instagram
• Wildfire Rank: Website

• ACRD- Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District: Website | Facebook
• Emergency Info BC: Website
• Nanaimo News Now: Website | Facebook
• Voyent Alert: Register HERE
  • Choose how to receive alerts – mobile app, email, text message or phone call.
• BC Hydro: Website
• Huu-ay-aht First Nations’ update includes information on the Route to Youbou
• Highway Updates: Drive BC
• Air Quality Health Index (AQHI): BC Air Quality
• Wildfire Smoke Safety Tips: ACRD Emergency Program Facebook
• Updates on fire weather and smoke across Canada: FireSmoke Canada
• Emergency Wildfire Preparedness Checklist: Facebook Post | Firesmart Website
• BC Transit Alerts: Port Alberni Alerts & Advisories

Evacuation Resources:

If you need transportation assistance from the area, call: 250-720-2738.

If you are under Evacuation Order, YOU MUST LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY. A person must not enter the Evacuation Order area for purposes of residing, occupying, or visiting the area.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:

• If you need transportation assistance, call 250-720-2738.
• Close all windows and doors.
• Close gates (latch) but do not lock.
• Gather your family and, if you have room, take a neighbour or someone needing transportation.
  • Do not use more vehicles than you have to.
• Take critical items (medicine, ID, purse, wallet, and keys) only if they are immediately available.
• Take pets in pet kennels or on leash.
• Your Emergency grab-and-go kit
• Do not use the telephone unless you need emergency service.

What to do once you’ve safely left your property:

• Register Online: ess.gov.bc.ca
• Call: 1-800-387-4258
• If you are a permanent resident, you may be eligible for Emergency Support Services (ESS). If you are a permanent resident in the Evacuation Order area, please call the EOC call line 250-720-2738.

Protect Your Home Before Leaving (if safe to do so):

• Close all windows and doors
• Cover vents
• Remove flammable materials from around your property
• Turn off utilities if instructed
• Leave a light on inside to help fire crews locate your home

If you need assistance to meet your basic needs:

• Use the Evacuee Registration & Assistance tool at ess.gov.bc.ca. You will receive instructions on how to receive ESS support.
• Supports may also be available through the Service BC – BC Evacuee Helpline by phone at 1-800-387-4258, including support for registering ESS and authentication with the BC Services Card app

If you are self-sufficient and don’t need assistance to meet your basic needs, you are NOT required to attend an evacuee reception centre.

From BC Wildfire Service: 

Tuesday, August 12th, a drone was reported flying in the vicinity of the Mount Underwood (V71498) fire.

This type of activity is extremely dangerous and poses a significant safety risk to personnel, especially when low-flying firefighting aircraft are present. If a drone collides with firefighting aircraft, the consequences could be deadly.

A reminder to the public: when you fly drones near a wildfire, all aerial response must stop. Anyone found interfering with wildfire control efforts (including flying drones or UAVs) can face penalties up to $100,000 and/or up to one year in jail.

Transport Canada and the BC Wildfire Service explicitly prohibit the use of UAVs or drones of any size near a wildfire. The restricted airspace automatically includes a radius of five nautical miles around any smoke or fire and to an altitude of 3,000 feet above ground level.

Boats in Sight Delay our Flight

Aircraft need plenty of space to safely and quickly collect water from rivers and lakes to help fight fires. If firefighting aircraft are nearby, clear the area and stay near the shore to avoid interfering with firefighting operations.

Recreational boaters or people using other watercraft who try to get a close-up look at the aircraft present a serious safety risk to air crews, themselves and anyone else in the area. This behaviour also affects our ability to fight a fire or practice safely, since aircraft cannot collect water when a boat is in the intended flight path. Boat wakes can also pose a danger to water scooping aircraft. Interference with firefighting operations is not only dangerous, but it also violates the Wildfire Act.

THANK YOU to all the firefighting crews, support teams, and anyone who is helping in whatever way they can.

Thank you to the ACRD for the resource information.