PORT ALBERNI — A raging wildfire that has forced evacuations near Port Alberni has grown again overnight to more than 20 square kilometres in size as it continues to burn out of control.

The fire on Vancouver Island has led to evacuation orders from both the Alberni-Clayoquot and Cowichan Valley regional districts, as well as an alert from groups including the Tseshaht First Nation.

The B.C. Wildfire Service says an air tanker, helicopters equipped with night vision and structural protection specialists were all deployed overnight to try to slow the blaze’s growth, with the fire displaying rank four and five behaviour, meaning treetops are ablaze.

The community of Bamfield southwest of Port Alberni has lost power due to the fire, and its main road link to Port Alberni has also been shut

See Full Page