PORT ALBERNI - Firefighters battling a wildfire near Port Alberni on Vancouver Island are anticipating up to 40 millimeters of rain, which is expected to assist their efforts. The Mount Underwood fire has expanded significantly, covering more than 34 square kilometers as of Thursday, marking a 58 percent increase from the previous day.

This week, the fire exhibited extreme behavior, rapidly climbing hillsides and igniting the forest canopy. However, an update from the BC Wildfire Service indicated that overnight, crews observed "moderate" fire activity due to cooler temperatures and increased humidity in the area. The service noted that southwest winds would continue to push the fire in a northeasterly direction, away from populated areas.

Rainfall, part of a broader weather system affecting southern British Columbia, is forecast to arrive late Thursday, with estimates ranging from 15 to 40 millimeters in the fire zone. While the wildfire service stated that this moisture would aid firefighting efforts, they cautioned that significant rainfall would be necessary for a lasting impact, given the ongoing drought conditions on Vancouver Island.

The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District's emergency operations center reported that the fire's growth was "in line with expectations." The BC Wildfire Service also mentioned that the fire's size may change again as crews gain better access for assessment, which has been limited due to thick smoke.

The smoke has prompted Environment Canada to issue an air quality advisory for the northern Gulf Islands and Sunshine Coast, with the heaviest smoke expected on eastern Vancouver Island, Texada Island, and Powell River.

Fire-behavior analyst Ben Boghean highlighted the challenges firefighters face, particularly with the steep terrain and a potential shift in wind direction. "This is going to mean we are going to be turning what was the back of our fire into the head of our fire," he explained. He added that the drought conditions would make it difficult to extinguish the fire, as it would continue to burn through larger logs and heavier fuels.

Crews are currently working to establish a guard on the fire's north flank, extinguish flames crossing the main road between Port Alberni and Bamfield, and secure access to the fire's west flank. The community of Bamfield has been without power since the fire was discovered on Monday, and the main road connecting it to Port Alberni remains closed. BC Hydro crews cannot enter the area until it is deemed safe.

Authorities are advising non-residents to avoid unnecessary travel to Bamfield, a popular starting point for hikers on the West Coast Trail. The BC Wildfire Service confirmed that the fire does not currently threaten the communities of Port Alberni, Bamfield, or Youbou.

The rapid spread of the fire has led to local emergency declarations by the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, the City of Port Alberni, and the Tseshaht First Nation. Evacuation orders have been issued for areas near the fire, including properties on the east side of the Alberni Inlet, while alerts are in place for a Tseshaht reserve and properties in southwest Port Alberni, where residents may need to evacuate on short notice.

The Mount Underwood fire is one of approximately 90 active wildfires across British Columbia, with fewer than 10 classified as out of control. In West Kelowna, police are investigating two separate fires that occurred within hours of each other, which may be linked to fireworks. Authorities reported that a utility task vehicle was seen setting off fireworks in the area prior to the fires. The vehicle has been located, and the wildfires have been contained, but the investigation is ongoing.