The Out of Control Mount Underwood Fire is now more than 34-hundred hectares in size.

Discovered Monday afternoon, the wildfire is about 12 kilometres south of Port Alberni.

Several communities in the area remain under evacuation orders or alerts.

More than 500 properties in the area have been without power since Monday evening due to the fire, according to B.C. Hydro.  

As of yesterday’s update, there were 87 personnel responding to the wildfire.

The province has issued an air quality warning due to wildfire smoke Thursday for parts of Vancouver Island, including Port Alberni and Parksville, and parts of the Sunshine Coast, including Texada Island and Powell River.

On a positive note, Environment Canada is forecasting rain for Port Alberni through Sunday. 

For more Information, visit BC Wildfire Service.