Rain Assists Crews Fight Mount Arrowsmith Wildfire Near Port Alberni

The Mount Underwood wildfire south of Port Alberni is now a week old.

Still burning out of control, it’s about 3,700 hectares in size.

Travelers are still being asked to avoid all travel on the Franklin River road/Bamfield Main road.

BC Wildfire Service says recent rainfall, higher humidity and cooler temperatures continue to help the situation, but crews were still dealing with smouldering ground fire with some open flame in areas where rain got hung up in the canopy and didn't reach the forest floor.

Evacuation orders and alerts remain in place for area residents.

While the Franklin River Road between Port Alberni and Bamfield is closed, there is no risk to the Bamfield to Youbou Road.

However, the ACRD is asking the public to avoid unnecessary travel to Bamfield, unless you are a resident.

Meanwhile, evacuation orders were rescinded Saturday for residents affected by the Wesley Ridge wildfire, west of Parksville.

Crews remain on-site, working along the perimeter to extinguish remaining hotspots, but it is officially classified as under control.

That fire was discovered on July 31st.

Both the Wesley Ridge and Mount Underwood wildfires are suspected to be human-caused.