A raging wildfire that has forced evacuations near Port Alberni, B.C., 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 BC 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 since the fire began, with its cause unknown.
Videos on social media shows the fire burning vigorously along a mountain slope, bellowing thick plumes of smoke while helicopters bucket the blaze.
The heavy smoke is highly visibly in nearby communities, and Environment Canada has issued an air quality statement for inland Vancouver Island that could last for the next 48 hours.
The number of active fires in British Columbia has fallen to about 85, including seven burning out of control.
Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout- BC Wildfire Service
