Wildfire leaves Vancouver Island tourism town without power for weeks

The Mount Underwood wildfire near Port Alberni knocked out power for more than 500 residents, and it might not be restored until the end of the month.

A small, remote community on Vancouver Island that relied heavily in summer tourism will be without power for another two weeks after a wildfire damaged BC Hydro infrastructure.

Suppression efforts on the Mount Underwood fire received an assist from rainy weather over the weekend but is still considered out of control and estimated at more than 36 square kilometres.

The blaze has knocked out power and cut off road access to nearby Bamfield and the community is expected to remain in the dark for another two weeks.

BC Hydro’s Ted Olynk told CTV News repairs are underway but the work needed is extensive.

“A lot of burnt poles, poles broken, lines down that we have to replace,” Olynk said. “In total it’s about 20 kilometers of line that we have to replace.”

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Dependent on tourism, local officials say the impact of the wildfire is hammering Bamfield businesses at the peak of fishing season.

“This is the absolute worst time for this to happen,” said Bob Beckett, the regional director for Alberni-Clayoquot.

It’s prompting calls for the province to throw a financial lifeline to companies facing potential bankruptcy.

“Help out tourism by giving us something , whether it’s fuel for the generators, which is hundreds of dollars a day, or something,” said Beckett.

In total, by Monday afternoon there were 76 wildfires burning in B.C., just four of them out of control, significantly less activity than last August.

However, the wildfire service is urging British Columbians to be mindful that conditions can change quickly, noting dry weather is in the forecast for the two weeks left in August.