Wildfire east of Port Alberni downgraded after crews slow spread

Wildfire east of Port Alberni downgraded after crews slow spread

A wildfire burning near Cherry Creek that was considered out of control Wednesday morning has now been downgraded to being held, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service.

The Cold Creek wildfire was discovered early Wednesday approximately one kilometre east of Cherry Creek and two kilometres east of Port Alberni, prompting a large emergency response involving helicopters and ground crews.

The B.C. Wildfire Service now says the fire is being held at 0.67 hectares, meaning it is not expected to spread beyond existing containment lines under current conditions.

More than 20 crew members were assigned to the fire, with helicopters supporting suppression efforts throughout the morning.

“Although there are some nearby structures, they are not currently at risk and defending these values remains the primary objectives of our assigned resources,” said Erika Berg, a fire information officer with the Coastal Fire Centre.

The fire was reported to local fire departments in the Alberni Valley as well as the Coastal Fire Centre early Wednesday morning.

The B.C. Wildfire Service says the blaze is suspected to be human caused.

“We are working with natural resource officers to conduct a more thorough investigation to determine the specific nature of it’s origin,” Berg said.

The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District activated its Emergency Operations Centre to support the response effort and monitor the ongoing situation.

The Alberni Valley Rescue Squad is also asking residents to stay away from trails near the fire zone while crews continue working in the area.

“There were multiple burn areas in the forest,” said Cherry Creek Volunteer Fire Department Chief Lucas Banton.

Banton says a suspicious fire discovered behind Walmart on Mother’s Day has added to concern in the community days before the Cold Creek wildfire was reported.

“It definitely wasn’t a campfire; it was too large for that,” Banton said.

The incident comes as firefighters in the area prepare for another wildfire season following last summer’s Mount Underwood wildfire west of Port Alberni.

“We had an active season last year, so people are a little on edge,” Banton said.

The Mount Underwood wildfire burned for nearly four months last summer, causing evacuations, road closures to Bamfield, and power outages in the coastal community.

Crews remain on scene Wednesday as suppression efforts continue around the Cold Creek wildfire.