BC Hydro Launches Restoration Effort Following Extensive Damage From Mount Underwood Fire

BC Hydro says its begun restoration work following extensive damage caused by the Mount Underwood wildfire, which has left more than 500 customers in Bamfield and the surrounding area without power since August 11.

The fire, south of Port Alberni, is still considered out of control, but holding at about 37-hundred hectares.

BC Hydro says the damage to its infrastructure is significant - 56 power poles, along with associated wire and hardware, will need to be replaced.

Crews will need to re-string 70 spans of power line - roughly 20 kilometres in total.

The rebuild will cover six kilometres, including two kilometres of particularly difficult terrain marked by steep forested cliffs and unstable rock.

Due to the highway closure, crews were accessing the site through Duncan, adding about  two hours of travel time each way.

Once the road reopens, access will improve significantly.

BC Hydro estimates that power restoration could take up to two weeks. Timelines will be reassessed regularly, and BC Hydro is hopeful as work continues the timeline can be accelerated. 

The safety of BC Hydro crews, first responders and the public remains the top priority throughout this restoration effort. For ongoing updates, visit BC Hydro.