Rain helps crews fight huge wildfire near Port Alberni but relief will be temporary

BC Wildfire officials say they are seeing less aggressive fire behaviour on Friday on the Mount Underwood fire on Vancouver Island.

However, crews are not able to get an accurate update on the fire size due to the weather conditions.

The rain hitting the region has helped crews work on fire suppression on the northern side, which was previously inaccessible, while the priority remains the northwest side of the fire, as that is closest to Port Alberni.

The out-of-control wildfire burning south of Port Alberni is still mapped at 3,406 hectares in size as of Friday afternoon.

It was discovered on Monday and led to two evacuation orders and three evacuation alerts.

The community of Bamfield remains without power due to the fire and Bamfield Road remains closed between Bamfield and Port Al