Port Alberni Wildfire Continues to Burn, Affecting Traffic and Local Businesses

Fire crews hard at work in what is expected to be one of the worst forest fire seasons in years.

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Among the 82 wildfires burning in British Columbia, the Cameron Bluffs wildfire is one of 33 categorized as being out of control. Since April 1, wildfires in the province have consumed over 520,000 hectares, surpassing the combined area burned during 16 of the previous 20 wildfire seasons. This alarming statistic was revealed by the emergency management minister.
Until recently, the Cameron Bluffs wildfire was one of 33 fires in BC classified as being out of control. Since April 1, wildfires in the province have consumed over 520,000 hectares, surpassing the combined area burned during 16 of the previous 20 wildfire seasons. This alarming statistic was revealed by the emergency management minister. Credit: Colby Rex O'Neill on Facebook.

A massive wildfire near Port Alberni continues to cause issues as fire crews manage the blaze that has closed Highway 4 for days. The fire, located south of Cameron Lake, began a week ago and recently surpassed 254 hectares in size.

The Alberni Valley Emergency Program updated its Facebook page Sunday, saying the response team includes a “team of 75 dedicated wildfire firefighters, ten heavy-duty equipment pieces, a coordinated incident management team, and four helicopters, with supplementary support from additional aviation resources as necessary.” On Sunday, the wildfire was currently designated as “out of control” according to the BC Wildfire Service website. Fortunately, BC Wildfire Services has upgraded the fire’s status to “being held,” which is a step in the right direction.

One of the most visible roles of helicopters in wildfire response is dropping water or fire retardant on the fire. This is typically done using a large bucket suspended from the helicopter, which is filled from a nearby water source and then released over the fire. Photo Credit: Deanna Veerman on Facebook.

A detour route via logging roads through Bamfield to Lake Cowichan is open, but BC Transportation officials are requesting it be used only for essential trips. Because debris like rocks and trees are still falling, and a stability assessment is underway, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has announced Highway 4 will most likely reopen to single-lane limited traffic the weekend of June 24.

“Fire activity like I have never seen on our island.”

User @Canadarecruits on Twitter

Dean Stolz from CHEK News shared on Twitter this aerial footage of the widespread fire over Cameron Bluffs. He also shared photos of the large pieces of debris on the highway, which are contributing to the ongoing closures.

When the fire began early last week, locals took to social media to share incredible photos of the blaze as it grew. User @Canadarecruits posted a photo on Twitter and wrote, “Fire activity like I have never seen on our island. #ClimateCrisis.”

 “Everyone’s having to cancel their trips which sucks big time.”

Hannah Jensen of Island Surf Company
The severity of the fire’s impact is evident in the closure of Highway 4. Not only has the fire inflicted damage along the route, but concerns over slope stability have heightened worries about potential landslides. Cariboo Wildfires Information and Safety Page on Facebook.

Climate change is front of mind for many locals as forest fire season takes off and even the East Coast of the country struggles with out of control blazes and wildfire smoke. Summer 2023 is already on track to be the worst wildfire season in years in Canada.

The Union of Concerned Scientists just released a peer-reviewed study that found the world’s biggest fossil fuel companies produced emissions that contributed to 37% of the forest fire-scorched areas across the southwest of Canada and the western US. 

Many local B.C. businesses are struggling as the wildfire highway closures reduce their traffic, which is particularly detrimental during tourist season. “It definitely has slowed down for sure the last few days. Everyone’s having to cancel their trips which sucks big time,” Hannah Jensen of Island Surf Company told CHEK News.

You can check for regular updates on the Cameron Bluffs wildfire on the BC Wildfire website here and the B.C. Transport website for details on the Highway 4 closure here. 

Mayor Sharie Minions of Port Alberni urges residents and visitors to avoid hoarding supplies, as the highway closure has led to a surge in local demand for essential supplies. Photo Credit: BC Wildfire Service.

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