PORT ALBERNI — The wildfire that has triggered evacuation orders and alerts on south-central Vancouver Island measured more than 34 square kilometres on Thursday, about 58 per cent larger than what it was the day before.

The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District's emergency operations centre confirmed the growth of the fire, saying it was "in line with expectations."

The district's statement posted on social media said the fire is moving in a northeasterly direction away from urban areas.

The BC Wildfire Service said earlier Thursday that the measurement of the Mount Underwood fire, 12 kilometres south of Port Alberni, B.C., may change again once crews can get a better look, either by helicopter or from the ground, as both are limited because of the thick smoke produced by the blaze.

The

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